HC Deb 13 May 1969 vol 783 cc1198-9
9. Mr. Tudor Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will indicate the key topics which have been discussed by the Welsh Council since its inception; whether he is satisfied with the work of the three Panels; and whether he will make a statement.

Mrs. White

Industry and employment, communications, finance and environmental matters. My right hon. Friend maintains close touch with the work of the Council and its Panels, which represent an important source of advice on these issues.

Mr. Watkins

What is the reason for the fact that, despite the great deal of publicity and Press comment at the inception of this Council, we now do not hear about it? Can we have periodic reports, apart from the annual Report or White Paper?

Mrs. White

I am sure that my hon. Friend will appreciate that the Panels are investigating matters of major importance. They have not yet submitted reports to the Secretary of State. When they do, it will be for consideration by the Council and the Secretary of State whether those reports should be published.

Mr. Gower

Does the right hon. Lady agree that there is a fairly widespread impression that the Welsh Council is not doing anything of great consequence? Can she disabuse us of that opinion?

Mrs. White

I repeat that it has not yet published reports, but it has been giving constant and valuable advice to my right hon. Friend on a wide series of topics.

16. Mr. Gwynfor Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many meetings the Welsh Council has had to date.

Mr. George Thomas

The Welsh Council has met six times since it was appointed in April, 1968.

Mr. Evans

Has the Council considered the urgent matter of the threatened closure of the Central Wales line? If it has, why not lift the shroud of secrecy from its report? Did it bring to the right hon. Gentleman's attention the fact that, when British Railways publishes alleged losses, they do not include the income from goods traffic?

Mr. Thomas

I assure the hon. Gentleman that the Welsh Council has been considering transport services in Wales since before he came to this place.