§ 8. Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is now satisfied that the majority of local government bodies in Wales support an elected council for Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesWhile the majority of those who have commented in writing are in favour of an elected council, the local authorities are by no means unanimous and few of the replies received have dealt in detail with the vital question of the functions. The issues are being discussed at the series of meetings I am at present having with the local authority associations.
§ Mr. MorganDoes my right hon. Friend appreciate that about a fortnight ago a poll published in the daily newspapers showed that a majority of the people of Wales were in favour of a Parliament, that clearly an overwhelming majority were in favour of an elected council? Does he not concede the validity of the old Welsh proverb, Trech Gwlâd, nac Arglwydd, which, translated, means that the will of the people will ultimately triumph over every authority?
§ Mr. HughesOne does not always look to poll:, in newspapers to find the will of the people. The will of the people will be manifested at the next General Election. It would be premature for me at this stage to enlarge on my reply because of the consultations which are going on with the local authority associations, and with the groupings to which I have referred.
§ Mr. GowerIn view of the extensive changes contemplated, and the question of the elected or non-elected council, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it would be wise for him to have the benefit of seeing the conclusions of the Royal Commission on Local Government in England and Wales before he makes any final decision about these rather difficult matters?
§ Mr. HughesI shall look with great interest at the conclusions of the Royal Commission.