HC Deb 12 November 1973 vol 864 cc9-10
6. Mr. Nicholas Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will establish a public inquiry into the consequences for the environment, for agriculture, for educational facilities and for the National Parks if the Nugent Committee's proposals for Castlemartin are implemented.

Mr. Peter Thomas

It would be premature to do this while the proposals are still under consideration.

Mr. Edwards

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that if this were a proposal of a private developer there would have to be a full public inquiry? Will my right hon. and learned Friend assure the House that no decision has been taken by the Government and that it will be taken only after the fullest consultation with this House and the general public?

Mr. Peter Thomas

I can certainly assure my hon. Friend that no decision has been taken by the Government. As I have said previously, the report was published to provide an opportunity for public comment and discussion. There will be consultation and discussion before the Government come to a decision. There would be no occasion for a public inquiry at the moment.

Mr. George Thomas

Is the Secretary of State aware that when there was similar conflict over Pembrey I ensured that there would be a public inquiry and that it is most satisfactory for the Government if the public feel that their case can be fully heard at a public inquiry?

Mr. Peter Thomas

The right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that there was no public inquiry until a decision had been taken by the Government. It was after a Government decision had been taken that there was a public inquiry. The position now is that no decision has been taken.

Mr. John Morris

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman not aware that the Secretary of State for Wales instituted an inquiry into Pembrey when it was merely a proposal? There is no difference between then and now. Is he not aware that the Nugent Committee adopted a cavalier attitude to the people of Pembrokeshire by not consulting them in any way before the proposal emanated, in its report, of a move from Lulworth to Castlemartin?

Mr. Peter Thomas

The right hon. and learned Gentleman must know that there was a proposal by the Government of the day about Pembrey. It was following the Ministry of Defence proposal that the inquiry was held. No proposal has been put forward by the present Government about Castlemartin. A proposal has been put forward by a committee which is now being considered.