§ 13. Mr. Peter Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales if it is his intention to establish a high-powered advisory panel, on the lines of that proposed in the announcement by the right hon. Member for Sidcup on 13th February 1974, to consider the major issues that will arise if oil and gas are found in the Celtic Sea.
§ Mr. John MorrisI am considering what new arrangements are needed.
§ Mr. ThomasWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider carefully the announcement which was made and the desirability of having this advisory body? Also, will he consider having, in addition to the representatives already announced for this body, representatives of the CBI in Wales?
§ Mr. MorrisI am aware, as is the Principality, I am sure, of the announcement which was made by the right hon. Member for Sidcup (Mr. Heath) as late as 13th February this year. The right hon. and learned Gentleman has touched on a most important issue. There are economic and environmental questions here. All I can say at this juncture is that I shall give the whole of these proposals serious consideration in order to ensure that we have the most effective machinery in Wales to deal with this problem.
§ Mr. Gwynoro JonesWhen this matter was raised about nine months ago with the present shadow spokesman for Wales, he declined to set up such a body. Is there not a continuing urgent need for a standing conference, with representatives of the local authorities, trade unions and private industry in Wales, concerned with the development of our Celtic Sea resources?
§ Mr. MorrisI have already underlined the date—that is, 13th February—when the right hon. Member for Sidcup made his proposal. I suppose that the thought of approaching execution concentrated the mind wonderfully. I am well aware that the local authorities would obviously wish to be in a position of full consulation on any arrangements which are made.