HC Deb 20 June 1968 vol 766 cc1290-1
19. Mr. Gibson-Watt

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what functions of the Welsh Rural Development Board he proposes to control directly.

Mrs. White

My right hon. Friend would propose to exercise the functions laid upon him by Part III of the Agriculture Act, 1967.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

It is always a little difficult to know what the Secretary of State's powers are in any direction. Might I ask the hon. Lady whether her right hon. Friend is aware of the intense opposition in Mid-Wales to the Rural Development Board? Will he use all his powers to cancel the whole project?

Mrs. White

I am sad to find that the hon. Member, who in other respects is quite well informed about matters in Wales, has taken the line that this Board, which will be of very great advantage to the area, is undesirable. I can only hope that he will await the result of the public inquiry which is taking place.

Mr. Tudor Watkins

Will the Minister of State kindly tell the House how much money it is proposed to spend in that part of Wales on the Rural Development Board each year?

Mrs. White

I have not the figures with me, but if my hon. Friend cares to put a Question down, I will be happy to provide them.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Is the hon. Lady entirely unaware of the opposition which has been very clearly shown at the inquiry at Aberystwyth?

Mrs. White

I am well aware of a great deal of misrepresentation in which unfortunately the hon. Member appears to have joined.