§ 11. Mr. Tudor Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Wales, in view of the local concern over the action of the West Glamorgan Water Board in inviting tenders for work on their Llyn Brianne water scheme in advance of the announcement of the result of the public inquiry, if he will seek an undertaking from the Board that no authority will be given to anyone to enter land concerned with the scheme; if he will seek to cancel authorisation already given; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ifor DaviesMy right hon. Friend has yet to arrive at his decision on this proposal, and no authorisations have been given by him. The Water Board invited tenders for roadworks so that in the event of the scheme being approved work could be started with the minimum of delay. This is not in accordance with normal procedures, and the Board has now, at my right hon. Friend's request, asked the tenderers to defer further inquiries.
§ Mr. WatkinsCan my hon. Friend give me an undertaking that he has also asked the Board to cancel the authorisation certificates it has already given for people to enter on land without any permission? I am glad that my constituent ejected these people.
§ Mr. DaviesI can give that assurance. My hon. Friend will recall that the Welsh Office acted very promptly in this matter. There is no right to enter on private land in connection with the project unless the power has been confirmed by my right hon. Friend under a water order.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI congratulate the Welsh Office on the action they took in this matter, but does not the hon. Member agree that this is an iniquitous example of jumping the gun and that in this case the rights of individuals have not been properly looked after?
§ Mr. DaviesI should explain that no work was started, nor was it the intention 2454 of the Board to commence any work before my right hon. Friend had announced his decision. Consideration of submitted tenders was to be deferred until a decision had been given.