§ 2. Mr. Donnellyasked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from local authorities and other bodies in West Wales regarding the social need to maintain the railway lines west of Swansea; and what has been his answer.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Ifor Davies)My right hon. Friend is aware of the importance which local authorities and other bodies in West Wales attach to the railway lines west of Swansea. Decisions on railway services are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport but my right hon. Friend is consulted before decisions are taken. The Welsh Council is also given the opportunity of making its views known to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.
§ Mr. DonnellyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that his Answer does not meet the point that it is the Government's policy to encourage industry to West Wales and yet the Government are responsible for a situation in which difficulties are being placed in the way of anybody who is considering establishing industry in West Wales? What steps do the Welsh Office intend to take to deal with this hiatus?
§ Mr. DaviesMy reply was to the point, in that the hon. Member had asked what representations had been made and I indicated the representations. But I assure him that my right hon. Friend is aware that both the railway lines involved, Swansea—Milford and Whit-land—Pembroke Dock, are vital to West Wales and he is giving the matter close attention.