§ 45. Mr. Denzil Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to announce his decision upon the inspector's report following the public inquiry into the proposed location of a gunnery range at Pembrey.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe Government's views will be made known after the inspector's report has been received and fully considered.
§ Mr. Denzil DaviesSince the Secretary of State has told the House previously that he is mindful of his quasi-judicial capacity in this matter, and also since he refuses to give an undertaking that he will not consult the Ministry of Defence, will he now give an assurance that if he does consult that Ministry he will give local authorities which objected to the scheme an opportunity to reply to any proposals put to him by the Ministry of Defence?
§ Mr. Peter ThomasNo, Sir; I would not give that assurance. The procedure that is being followed is the normal Circular 100 procedure adopted by both Administrations. I inherited that procedure from the right hon. Member for Cardiff, West (Mr. George Thomas), and I suggest that the hon. Gentleman should have looked at that procedure before putting his name to a Motion of Censure.
§ Mr. George ThomasWhat steps does the Minister propose to take to restore confidence to the people of Pembrey that he will deal impartially with this question, uninfluenced by the views of the Minister of Defence?
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe right hon. Gentleman clearly does not understand the procedure which he adopted.