HC Deb 14 March 1968 vol 760 cc1590-1
9. Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what studies have been made by the Welsh Economic Council of the machinery of departmental supervision of education, health and agriculture in Wales.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

None.

Mr. Morgan

Is it not true to say that the Welsh Office will never be a complete Department unless and until these functions are transferred to it? Can my right hon. Friend say whether the new Council that he proposes to set up will be able to examine this matter?

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

On the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on 11th December, except to say how gratifying it is that my hon. Friend should have such confidence in the office of Secretary of State. On the second part of his question, the terms of reference of the Welsh Council will be considerably wider than those of the present Economic Council, and it will be able, if it so wishes, to undertake these duties.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Without knowing the answer to the question, as his hon. Friend obviously did, would the right hon. Gentleman please answer the second part of it, which was whether the Welsh Economic Council is considering these matters?

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

No, Sir. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the present Welsh Economic Council comes to the end of its term of office this month. Such studies would appear to be well outside its terms of reference.

Mr. E. Rowlands

Would my right hon. Friend say whether he will seek to extend his oversight powers, and whether he has oversight powers in relation to the Ministry of Power?

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

My hon. Friend will be aware of the Prime Minister's statement on the extent of my oversight powers. In fact, they extend to all domestic departments of the Government which operate in Wales—

Mr. Rowlands

Including Power?

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

It is not for me to decide on additional functions. That is a matter for the Government.