HC Deb 14 February 1967 vol 741 cc329-30
9 and 25. Mr. Gwynfor Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs (1) whether he will sub-divide the expenditure of £2,500,000 which is to be incurred by Her Majesty's Government on participation in Expo 67 in a manner which will permit the distinct and adequate representation of the national life of each of the nations of the United Kingdom;

(2) if he will make a statement on the policy he follows when presenting the character and achievements of the industry and culture of Wales, Scotland, and England, respectively, in international exhibitions, such as Expo 67, where the countries of Great Britain are represented by a Government-sponsored project.

Mrs. Hart

The United Kingdom participates as an internationally recognised State in general international exhibitions. As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Gentleman on 26th January, we seek to present an image of the United Kingdom as a whole, all its peoples, their history, achievements and future.—[Vol. 739. c. 356–7.] It would not be practicable to subdivide the expenditure involved in the way the hon. Member suggests.

Mr. Evans

Is the Minister aware that 70 to 80 countries, including, for instance, Monaco and Togoland, are separately represented in this great international exhibition? Does she realise that the people of Wales are getting sick and tired of seeing their industrial and national life ignored on the pretext that this is a national State, a one-nation State, whereas it is a multi-national State and should be so recognised?

Mrs. Hart

Nobody will be more aware of the multi-national nature of Britain than the Canadians, with all their Celtic ancestry. The hon. Gentleman will be delighted to know that among those whose names are clearly put forward in the pavilion are Richard Thomas and Baldwin, of Newport, Dylan Thomas, Lloyd George, and Robert Owen, although I would claim a little part of Robert Owen for my constituency.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

Does not the Minister agree that if distinctive and separate mention can be made of firms and individuals, it would be only just and practical to make distinctive mention of Wales as a national entity?

Mrs. Hart

One can assume that there is sufficient public knowledge in Canada, particularly of the background of people like Dylan Thomas and Lloyd George, for it to be known that they come from Wales.