§ 6. Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will now consider setting up a Welsh Water Board within the structure of a Development Corporation for Rural Wales.
§ Mr. George ThomasNo, Sir.
§ Mr. MorganDoes not my hon. Friend agree that, in addition to the negative powers and authorities that were granted to the Welsh Office this summer, it is essential for affirmative powers for the development of water resources to be given to Wales, and that this is an integral part of the concept of Wales as a land and nation?
§ Mr. ThomasWe are looking at the whole question of the water resources of Wales, and I do not think that my hon. Friend will be disappointed when we reach our conclusions.
§ Mr. HoosonDoes not the Minister of State agree that, in view of the extreme unhappiness felt in many parts of Wales, there is an overwhelming case for a Welsh water resources board? Does he not recall that right hon. and hon. Members opposite before joining the Government were advocates of a Welsh water board?
§ Mr. ThomasThe hon. and learned Member has a long memory, and it is right, at least on this occasion. We did advocate it, and perhaps he will support us when and if it comes to the nationalisation of water supplies in Wales.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI have an even longer memory, I remember the right hon. Gentleman the late Member for 632 Ebbw Vale, who was a much respected Welsh Member and Minister, saying that, whether we nationalised water or not, it would not produce one single extra drop.