HC Deb 06 July 1970 vol 803 cc298-9
4. Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he intends to implement in whole or in part the proposals for local government reform announced by the previous administration.

Mr. Peter Thomas

I do not intend to reach a decision until I have thoroughly reviewed the proposals, but at present I see no reason to depart in principle from what is proposed for Wales outside Glamorgan and Monmouthshire.

Mr. Morgan

Does that mean that Wales, which has already had four surveys of this kind since 1948, might face the possibility of a fifth survey?

Mr. Peter Thomas

It means that I am going to look into the proposals for Glamorgan and Monmouthshire very carefully.

Mr. Gower

I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for that reply. Will he take account of the fact that while the first proposals of his predecessor were deemed reasonably acceptable throughout Wales, the latter proposals, relating to Glamorgan and Monmouthshire, were deemed highly objectionable by a respectable majority of people in the areas affected?

Mr. Peter Thomas

Yes. That is one of the reasons why I intend to look into these proposals very carefully.

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