§ 12. Mr. Hoosonasked the Secretary of State for Wales what towns, other than Newtown, in the mid-Wales area have increased their population between 1968 and 31st December, 1971.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattPopulation figures are available only for mid-years. In addition to Newtown between mid-1968 and mid-1971 there were increases in population in seven boroughs and urban districts in mid-Wales. These were Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, Bala, Lampeter, Llandrindod Wells, Llanfyllin and Welsh-pool. A number of rural districts also showed increases.
§ Mr. HoosonI am grateful for the information supplied in that answer. I know that the Minister of State has shared concern about the depopulation problem in mid-Wales. Do the Government intend to pursue the growth town policy? They appear to pay lip service to it, but they have done nothing about it since coming to office.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattMy right hon. and learned Friend outlined the Government's policy on mid-Wales to the Welsh Grand Committee when he spoke last year. It involves the concentration of resources largely, though not exclusively, on the growth towns to which the hon. and learned Gentleman refers.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganHave the Government any comprehensive policy for mid-Wales or are they just tinkering about with the Local Employment Act? If they have a growth towns policy, when will those towns be announced and when will anything be done in relation to that policy?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattThe Government's policy is perfectly clear on this matter, as I have said with regard to what my right hon. and learned Friend has already said. Though there is some depopulation in central Wales, which we would like to reverse, the fact remains that we are still supporting the policies which were very largely carried out by the previous Government.