HC Deb 13 March 1972 vol 833 cc12-3
16. Mr. John

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many statutory bodies there are in Wales filled in whole or in part by his nominations.

Mr. Peter Thomas

Fifty-eight operating solely in Wales, including 10 for which I have a shared responsibility.

Mr. John

Does not that answer encourage the right hon. and learned Gentleman to devote some thought during the pre-Crowther period to how these nominated bodies can be brought under democratic control?

Mr. Thomas

Many of the bodies which I have mentioned consist largely of members appointed by local authorities.

Mr. Kinnock

Will the Secretary of State appreciate that one of the bodies which comes into this question is the Welsh Council? When so many busy men are giving so much valuable time to serve Wales, is it not a discourtesy to them, as appears to be the case after hearing the right hon. and learned Gentleman's answers and reading his comments in last week's debate, to take no notice of what they have said about what is needed for the Welsh economy?

Mr. Thomas

The hon. Gentleman really must not say that my comments indicate that I am going to take no notice at all of advice that is given to me by the Welsh Council. I have already told the House that its recommendations will be carefully considered. They are important recommendations, and they are being considered in the context of the review to which I have referred the House.