HC Deb 01 March 1971 vol 812 cc1193-5
2. Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will now make a statement on the Government's policy for Mid-Wales.

25. Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement concerning the Government's policies in relation to the development of Mid-Wales.

Mr. Peter Thomas

There has been a significant increase in recent years in the numbers employed in manufacturing industry in Mid-Wales, where unemployment rates are less high than in many parts of the Welsh development areas. The area already receives considerable support under the Government's regional policies and I am continuing to keep its needs under careful review.

Mr. Hooson

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is little unemployment only because when people are out of work they leave the area? Is he aware that it is vitally important that the existing towns, which are sliding into poverty because of this trend, should have the kind of benefit which is being given to new towns by the New Town Development Corporations? Will he consider extending the mandate of such corporations to cover other towns in Mid-Wales, particularly bearing in mind the increasing difficulties caused by the paucity of public transport in the area?

Mr. Peter Thomas

I assure the hon. and learned Gentleman that I appreciate the problem. The policy of concentrating growth in certain key locations can succeed only if the number of those locations is strictly limited.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

The Secretary of State has for some months given the Welsh people the impression that he is cogitating on a comprehensive plan for the development of Mid-Wales. Has he any plan at all in mind, or is he content to repose in empty banalities?

Mr. Peter Thomas

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that I have spoken of what is being done. I have also made it clear that the siuation is being kept under close review. If any new initiative is considered necessary, I will certainly make a statement.

Mr. George Thomas

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the complacency of his reply will worry the whole of Mid-Wales? Is he further aware that there has been only one application—I should say only one inquiry, because it was not an application—about new industry in the area during the past five months? What is he doing to encourage employment in the area?

Mr. Peter Thomas

The right hon. Gentleman is wrong. An advance factory in Brecon has just been taken up.