HC Deb 29 November 1971 vol 827 cc9-10
8. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will now pay an official visit to the County Borough of Newport.

Mr. Peter Thomas

I have already paid several official visits to Newport.

Mr. Hughes

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that if he were to visit Newport he would find that, within 18 months this once prosperous town has been turned into one of high unemployment, where the latest figures show that 2,339 men are competing for only 82 registered male vacancies? Will he come and explain things to the people of Newport? Then, perhaps, he can be persuaded to resign his office.

Mr. Thomas

I am fully aware of the unemployment figures in Newport. I am also aware that there is great potential there. If I receive an invitation to visit Newport, I shall be very happy to consider it.