HC Deb 18 March 1974 vol 870 cc641-2
3. Mr. Ioan Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he intends to make regarding an elected assembly for Wales.

Mr. John Morris

Proposals will be put forward after the necessary studies and consultations have been completed.

Mr. Evans

Does the Secretary of State realise that this issue was partly raised during the General Election and that our party accepts the commitment to an elected assembly for Wales? Is he aware, however, that the overwhelming opinion of the people of Wales is against separation from the rest of Britain and, further, that Plaid Cymru candidates had only 10 per cent. of the vote, losing 26 of its 36 deposits?

Mr. Morris

The number of votes received in the last election are very much in all our minds. My hon. Friend is right to remind the House that independence, which I understand was canvassed at one stage by a political party opposite, was rejected by Kilbrandon, as was federalism. The views expressed by the Labour Party in Wales have met with a good deal of accord.

Mr. Hooson

May I, from the Liberal bench, add my congratulations to the right hon. and learned Gentleman upon his appointment? Will he tell the House with whom he proposes to have consultations on this subject and when he envisages the proposals being brought before the House?

Mr. Morris

I am grateful to the hon. and learned Member for his remarks. My right hon. Friends and I are ready at all times to hear the views of right hon. and hon. Members and anyone in Wales who wants to carry the matter further. I cannot anticipate the timing of our announcement about our proposals after these consultations. I hope that these matters will be discussed with great urgency, so that we can bring proposals before the House at the earliest possible moment.