HC Deb 30 January 1969 vol 776 cc1496-8
4. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what arrangements he is making to provide programmes and other information regarding the Investiture of the Prince of Wales in the Welsh language.

The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. George Thomas)

All publications in connection with the Investiture ceremony for which I have any responsibility will be in both English and Welsh.

Mr. Hughes

Does this not mean spending a lot of money? Is my right hon. Friend aware that most intelligent Welsh people can read English? Can he confirm the forecast of these arrangements and programmes, that the Prince of Wales is expected to make a speech in Welsh and that he will be sent to Aberystwyth University for a crash course in Welsh? Is not this too much of a strain both on the Prince and on the public?

Mr. Thomas

With respect, His Royal Highness will be far more likely to make a speech in Welsh than my hon. Friend will ever be.

9. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many letters he has received with offers of financial contributions to the cost to public funds of the Investiture at Caernarvon.

Mr. George Thomas

None, Sir. But many people are giving their valuable services without any financial reward. If my hon. Friend wishes to make a financial contribution I shall of course be pleased to hear from him.

Mr. Hughes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this enthusiasm for the Investiture that he imagines exists in Wales is not reflected in cash, and that we would like to see more money contributed by Wales, because no advantage is being given to other parts of the country? Further, is he aware that he underestimates my capacity for telling him in forcible language—in Welsh—what I think of him?

Mr. Thomas

I should be interested to hear that. Perhaps my hon. Friend will have the opportunity to tell me one day. As for the first part of his question, he left Wales so long ago that he is quite out of touch. He does not realise that local authorities, who are the representatives of the people of Wales—

Mr. Hughes

Let them pay.

Mr. Thomas

—are spending a considerable amount, with the good will of their people, for the celebrations in connection with the Investiture.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Will not the right hon. Gentleman accept that this is the first time that hon. Members on this side of the House have ever heard a Socialist equating enthusiasm with the word "cash" as the hon. Member has.