HC Deb 08 November 1971 vol 825 cc626-7
16. Mr. William Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will hold consultations with nationalised industries and undertakings in Wales with regard to an accelerated investment programme for the current year; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Thomas:

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be dealing tomorrow with the question of nationalised industry investment generally.

Mr. Edwards:

In view of the economic situation in Wales and the tremendous share of the Welsh economy taken up by nationalised industries, would not the most effective way of bringing an improvement in Welsh employment be to inspire development and growth in the nationalised industries? If the Secretary of State is having consultations with the nationalised industries, will he have regard, in particular, to the need for development by the C.E.G.B. in North Merioneth?

Mr. Thomas:

I assure the hon. Gentleman that regional considerations are kept very much in mind in the matter to which he refers. As regards the last part of his supplementary question, referring to an examination by the C.E.G.B. of further pumped storage schemes, there are important planning issues involved here which could fall to be settled by me, and I cannot, therefore, prejudge them.