HC Deb 02 July 1973 vol 859 cc15-7
17. Mr. Jeffrey Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to publish his views on the recommendation of the Ebbw Vale task force; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Thomas

I expect to receive the final report from the Ebbw Vale task force later this month. The Government's decisions will be announced as soon as possible thereafter.

Mr. Jeffrey Thomas

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that that is a most disquieting answer which portrays a complete lack of urgency on his part and on the part of the task force which was set up seven months ago? Does he not realise that decisions are required immediately? Further, is he aware that the situation in North Monmouthshire is deteriorating and is now becoming desperate? Does he agree that he should not be side-tracked by the problem of Llantrisant when he considers the recommendations of the task force?

Mr. Peter Thomas

I do not know why the hon. Gentleman says that my answer is disquieting. I think it has been generally accepted that the task force has been tackling the problem with a real sense of urgency. In view of the extent of the consultations, and of the need to study a wide range of infrastructural projects suggested by the local authorities, I do not think that the time which the task force has taken is unreasonable.

The hon. Gentleman referred to the situation in Monmouthshire as being desperate. He will appreciate that the task force will be recommending specific actions to give an economic boost to that area. Present trends are already encouraging. Unemployment in the area, which includes the hon. Gentleman's constituency of Abertillery, is currently 3.5 per cent. compared with 5.2 per cent. a year ago and 3.9 per cent. in June 1970.

Mr. Foot

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman tell us whether his answer means that a statement will be made to the House on his views about the findings of the task force before Parliament rises for the recess? Further, as those in Ebbw Vale have to conduct the most difficult operation of trying to co-ordinate the arrangements or proposals of the British Steel Corporation, the Welsh Office and the other bodies concerned, will he give us the earliest possible indication of what the task force suggests so that we shall have his support in altering the proposed dates, among other things, which have been put forward by the British Steel Corporation?

Mr. Peter Thomas

I appreciate all the matters referred to by the hon. Member for Ebbw Vale (Mr. Foot), which are matters of concern in the Ebbw Vale area. He will know that the task force has been extremely anxious to finish its report with a sense of urgency. I cannot say that decisions will be taken on the final report before Parliament rises for the recess. I do not expect to receive the report until the end of this month. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the Government will be considering the recommendations of the task force with the greatest care and with a sense of urgency.

Mr. Foot

I thought that the right hon. and learned Gentleman said in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Abertillery (Mr. Jeffrey Thomas) that the report would be considered on 17th July.

Mr. Peter Thomas

indicated dissent.

Mr. Foot

That is not quite the same as the end of the month. I thought that the right hon. and learned Gentleman said 17th July. If I have that wrong I am sorry, but that was what I understood him to say. In that event, he should be able to make a statement to the House before Parliament rises. He must understand—and I think he does understand—that for three months afterwards there could be a serious and deteriorating situation if we were left in doubt about the position. I urge the right hon. and learned Gentleman to give us, if possible, an affirmative reply. I urge him to say that he will make a statement to the House on this matter, which is of paramount importance, before Parliament rises.

Mr. Peter Thomas

I do not think I gave a date. I thought I said "later this month". I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I am anxious to reach firm conclusions on recommendations of the task force. However, it would be wrong for me to give the hon. Gentleman any definite assurance that decisions will be taken before Parliament rises. I cannot give such an assurance today.