HC Deb 28 November 1968 vol 774 cc695-6
4. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what outside experts and specialists have been commissioned by him to advise on the procedure to be carried out at the Investiture of the Prince of Wales at Caernavon.

Mr. George Thomas

I have not commissioned any outside experts or specialists to advise on the procedure.

Mr. Hughes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the greatest expert on the Investiture of the Prince of Wales is the unfortunate gentleman who was invested the last time? Will he consult his book on the Investiture, in which he described the Investiture procedure as rather silly, saying that he nearly went on strike and was only persuaded to carry on to please his mother?

Mr. Thomas

I well recall my hon. Friend telling the House that, like General Eisenhower, he is a Republican, so I understand that he is opposed to any ceremonial associated with royalty.

12. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Wales, in view of the present economic situation and the need for reductions in expenditure, if he will postpone the Investiture of the Prince of Wales at Caernarvon until the end of the financial crisis.

Mr. George Thomas

No, Sir.

Mr. Hughes

Why is the Secretary of State determined to be the prodigal son of the Labour Government and to insist on this expensive spending spree at a time when the nation is in such financial difficulties?

Mr. Thomas

The unprejudiced view of my hon. Friend overlooks the fact that this Investiture happens to be a very good investment for the people of Wales. No fewer than 400 million people are expected to watch it on the television. I am confident that the Investiture will arouse tremendous interest for the tourist trade in Wales.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is lucky that Wales as a whole does not take the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes) very seriously? It is the opinion of the Opposition that the vast majority of the people of Wales look forward to the Investiture with great enthusiasm.

Mr. Thomas

I am much obliged to the hon. Gentleman. I share his view that, when the Investiture takes place and the Prince tours Wales, the Welsh people will turn out in their tens of thousands.

Mr. Hughes

On a point of order. I hope to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.