HC Deb 16 June 1967 vol 748 c992

As amended (in the Standing Committee), considered.

2.51 p.m.

Mr. J. Idwal Jones (Wrexham)

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time.

The Bill has been explained in the House and in Committee. It gives local authorities permissive powers to help this unique institution, the International Musical Eisteddfod, which was born out of the adversities of the Second World War. I am very proud that, for a week, the Principality is the home of between 25 and 30 nations for choral competition and dance.

I am sure that the Bill will be welcomed through the Principality and supported by local authorities.

2.53 p.m.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. John Morris)

As a Welshman, I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Wrexham (Mr. Idwal Jones) on his initiative in bringing forward this important Bill. Many of us who have visited the Eisteddfod at Llangollen know its great value. I am sure that the Bill will be of inestimable service to this function, to which we attach great importance not only in Wales but the rest of the country and the rest of the world.

2.54 p.m.

Mr. David Gibson-Watt (Hereford)

As we said in Committee, we look upon the Bill with favour. It is in line with a Bill formerly produced by the then Member for Conway, the right hon. Peter Thomas, which allowed local authorities to subscribe to the National Eisteddfod. The Bill makes it possible for them to subscribe to the Llangollen International Eisteddfod and has our blessing. We wish it well.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed.