§ 11. Mr. Ellisasked the Secretary of State for Wales what new expenditure, other than that for road building, he has incurred since taking office on improving the economic infrastructure of the five North Wales counties.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI have authorised expenditure by North Wales local authorities of £2,905,000 on water, sewerage, coast protection and derelict land schemes, and approved grant aid of £341,500.
§ Mr. EllisIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied that the beneficial results on the economy of the North Wales counties as a result of this policy are better than the results that would have accrued had the policy of the previous Administration been followed? If he is, can he say in which respects?
§ Mr. Peter ThomasMany of the policies which I am now following are a continuation of the policies of the previous Administration. I warmly welcome any worth-while infrastructure improvement undertaken by Welsh local authorities. As a Government, we are considering the question of applying the provisions of the Local Employment Act more flexibly.
§ Sir A. MeyerIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that if he can get a favourable decision for building an integrated steel works at Shotton and an early decision on the Dee crossing he will fill our cups with happiness in North Wales—if not to overflowing, then at least to near the brim?
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI can understand the interest of my hon. Friend in these two schemes but I do not think that either of them can be classed as infrastructure.
§ Mr. Michael FootIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that if he can get any decision at all about the steel industry out of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, it will be a 100 per cent. improvement?
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe hon. Gentleman will no doubt await with interest the debate which is to follow Questions. I know that the House will be interested to hear him.