HC Deb 31 January 1972 vol 830 cc11-2
12. Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a further statement concerning Mid-Wales

Mr. Peter Thomas

I outlined the Government's policy to the Welsh Grand Committee last year. I have recently announced my willingness to assist the development of the growth towns by considering applications from the authorities concerned for grants under Section 7 of the Local Employment Act on a wider basis than hitherto

Mr. Morgan

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman accept that, since his Government withdrew the rural development board for Wales, in so far as any comprehensive plan for growth in Mid-Wales is concerned the Government have exhibited complete bankruptcy and sterility of policy? Does he also accept that his statement a few weeks ago to the Mid-Wales Industrial Development Association that he would decide on the designation of new growth towns when it was established that Newtown was financially viable is a very indefinite yardstick justifying delay for 20 to 40 years?

Mr. Thomas

First, may I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on his appointment to the Front Bench opposite? I do not accept the first part of his supplementary question. If he were to read the statement I made to the Welsh Grand Committee on 28th April he would see that I formulated a definite policy, much of which was a policy which was laid down by the previous Administration which I have adopted. The other day, to the Development Association, I was able to announce an important and, indeed, unique concession to Mid-Wales—the enlargement of the basis of Section 7 of the Local Employment Act grants.

Mr. Roderick

Would the Secretary of State accept that he left the Mid-Wales Development Corporation members in considerable doubt as to his intentions in this matter? He would not accept that the expansion of the activities of Newtown corporation should go ahead immediately. Will he revise that opinion about their standing on their own two feet as he is expecting growth towns to do?

Mr. Thomas

I made the position quite clear to the Development Association. I said that I did not rule out the possibility of extending the corporation's remit at some future date—[HON. MEMBERS: "Ah."]—but that I had no immediate plans in that direction. My intention was to see whether the Corporation in Newtown could be judged a success.