HC Deb 23 February 1967 vol 741 c1928
2. Mr. Gwynfor Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when the Welsh economic development plan will be published.

The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mrs. Eirene White)

Work on the White Paper on Wales is being pressed ahead as rapidly as possible and my right hon. Friend hopes to publish it before the House rises for the Summer Recess.

Mr. Evans

Is the Minister aware that the employment position in Wales, despite the fact that we have lost something like three quarters of a million people since 1921, is still worse than in any region on this island and there is a painful need for economic development and economic development planning? Is she not deeply ashamed that the Government, having promised us this report, have not succeeded in producing one and will not produce one until the latter part of this year?

Mrs. White

While we are all concerned about the employment position in Wales, the fact that this study has not yet been published is not in any way holding up action. As for the study itself, it is essential that it should be thorough rather than one produced rapidly.

Mr. Probert

Does not my hon. Friend agree that it would serve the interests of Wales far better not to produce the plan too hastily?

Mrs. White

We do not want to be dilatory about this, but it is important that adequate study should be made over a varied range of subjects.