HC Deb 27 November 1972 vol 847 cc13-4
11. Mr. Gwynoro Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he received the report of the Bowen Committee on Road Signs.

Mr. Peter Thomas

On 30th June 1972.

Mr. Jones

Does not the Secretary of State agree that it is deplorable that the Government and the Welsh Office should have kept this report in the dark for five or six months, contrary to their pledge about open government? There is a minority report. Is it not important, therefore, that the whole of Wales should know what the report contains before any announcement is made? When will that announcement be made?

Mr. Thomas

I shall publish the Bowen Committee's report on bilingual traffic signs this week, stating the Government's future policy with regard to bilingual traffic signs. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will not expect me to comment in advance of publication of that report.

Mr. Hooson

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman assure us that there will be no future renumbering of routes without bilingual signs accompanying them?

Mr. Thomas

If I had been in a position to answer Question No. 5 when it was called, I would have told the hon. and learned Gentleman that I was afraid I could make no comment on the provision of bilingual signs on any road in Wales in advance of the report and the Government's announcement of their intentions in regard to the report.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

Does the Secretary of State agree that he has shown scant consideration for the House since we will not be given any opportunity of making representations to him on the report before his decision is announced?

Mr. Thomas

When the hon. Gentleman hears what I have to say about the report, he will consider that what he has said is not right.