HC Deb 01 February 1971 vol 810 cc1226-7
9. Mr. Wilkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he now expects the findings of the Court of Inquiry into the Defence Department's proposal to locate an artillery range at Royal Air Force, Pembrey, will be made public; and whether, in considering the findings, he will take into account the recommendations of the Roskill Commission.

Mr. Peter Thomas

The Inspector's findings and the Government's views will be made public after they have been fully considered. I shall take all relevant factors into account.

Mr. Wilkinson

Will my right hon. and learned Friend bring to the attention of his right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Defence, for the Environment and for Trade and Industry the strong feelings not only of Welshmen but of perhaps more enlightened Englishmen against the proposed take-over of virtually the whole of Carmarthen Bay for an artillery range? Will he also take into account the fact that the air traffic control arguments advanced for moving the artillery range from Shoeburyness to Pembrey are not insuperable?

Mr. Peter Thomas

As I said to my hon. Friend, all relevant factors will be taken into account.

Mr. Denzil Davies

May I again press the right hon. and learned Gentleman to publish this report immediately? May I ask him to take a leaf out of the book of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, who has seen fit to grant the people of Buckinghamshire and Essex the opportunity to discuss the Roskill Commission's Report? Will the Minister give the people of Carmarthen a similar opportunity to discuss this report?

Mr. Peter Thomas

As I have said, the report will be published as soon as it has been fully considered by the Government.