HC Deb 03 April 1969 vol 781 cc639-40
30. Mr. Gibson-Watt

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he now proposes to continue the Welsh Rural Development Board.

Mrs. White

Yes, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Gwynfor Evans).

Mr. Gibson-Watt

I saw that Answer and the report on the inquiry. However, in view of the widespread opposition to the Board in Wales, and since under this Government Boards are breeding in Mid-Wales like rabbits, would she ask her right hon. Friend to have another look at this one?

Mrs. White

I do not think that is in the least necessary. A very full and thorough investigation was held under the chairmanship of Sir Ben Bowen Thomas. I think that it lasted for 44 days. I should have thought that adequate investigation had already been made.

Mr. Gwynfor Evans

Is the hon. Lady aware that the Answer which I had yesterday was received with acclamation in Carmarthenshire, but with qualified dismay in Cardiganshire and with fury in the rest of the area upon which this wretched Board is to be imposed?

Mrs. White

It would be advisable if we were to wait to see what the attitude is after the Board has been in operation for some time. I think that then the sentiments described by the hon. Gentleman might be reversed.

Mr. James Griffiths

Is my hon. Friend aware that many of us support the decision made in the Report? I hope that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will keep the Board in being because it can do an immense amount to rehabilitate the Welsh language in the countryside of Wales.

Mrs. White

I entirely agree with my right hon. Friend. Those who take the attitude of hon. Gentlemen opposite are very ill advised.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Could the hon. Lady tell us how much this famous inquiry cost the country?

Mrs. White

About £25,000. The cost was largely due to the amount of opposition stirred up by the hon. Gentleman and his hon. Friends.