HC Deb 06 July 1967 vol 749 cc1976-7
22. Mr. Finch

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he will announce his expected report on local government reorganisation in Wales.

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

My right hon. Friend expects to publish his White Paper on Local Government in Wales on Tuesday, 11th July, 1967.

Mr. Finch

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask her whether she is aware that local government reorganisation in Wales is urgently necessary, and what time will be allowed to local authorities to consider the recommendations that may be put forward?

Mrs. White

My right hon. Friend will be communicating with local authorities in Wales immediately following the publication of the White Paper, and will ask them to let him have within a reasonable period any comments that they may wish to make.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Will the hon. Lady tell the House whether her right hon. Friend will come to the House and announce this important new policy?

Mrs. White

The Secretary of State for Wales will be laying the White Paper in the normal way, and it will be obtainable in the Vote Office next Tuesday afternoon for hon. Members to study.

23. Mr. Gibson-Watt

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to set up an elected council for Wales.

Mrs. White

I would ask the hon. Member to await the forthcoming White Paper on Local Government in Wales.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

This is a scandal. Why do the hon. Lady and her right hon. Friend insult the Welsh people on this very important change in policy? Why is the Secretary of State afraid to come to the House and talk about this change? Why is it that the hon. Lady comes here now and says that the new Welsh policy on local government, which is more important than anything else at the present time, is being fobbed off in the form of a White Paper?

Mrs. White

I am sure that with his experience in the House the hon. Gentleman will recognise that it would be a scandal if I told him in advance what is in the White Paper.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. As it is perfectly clear that all Welsh Ministers are frightened at the present time of talking about this matter, I give notice—[Interruption.]—that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman must observe the conventions of the House. If he wishes to give notice, he must do it in the normal Parliamentary way.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Might I, with great respect. say that nobody who understands and knows the problems of Welsh local government will underestimate the problem—

Mr. Speaker

Order. This is not a point of order. The hon. Gentleman must take note of what the Chair says.

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