§ 8. Mr. Roderickasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy towards growth towns in mid-Wales.
§ Mr. John MorrisThe Government intend to press ahead vigorously with the development of the growth towns.
§ Mr. RoderickIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that this policy has suffered three wasted years? Will he meet the Mid-Wales Development Association to discuss the most speedy action that can be taken to implement the policy?
§ Mr. MorrisMy hon. Friend knows that this policy was initiated in 1969. Some progress has been made. There have been wasted years for Wales in many respects. I shall certainly be willing to receive any suggestions which my hon. Friend has in mind.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman point out to his hon. Friend that there has been a great change in mid-Wales recently, because we now have net inward migration after decades of outward migration? Has his attention also been called to an announcement I made last summer about an intensification of growth town policy in mid-Wales? Does he intend to carry out that policy?
§ Mr. MorrisAs one who comes from mid-Wales, I very much welcome the change that has taken place in migration in recent years. Obviously this is only a beginning, and a great deal has to be done to maintain and improve the momentum begun in 1969. We must press on hard to ensure that there is much greater growth in mid-Wales.
§ Mr. HoosonIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman considering extending the remit of the New Town Development Corporation to the proposed growth towns in mid-Wales as a means of achieving growth there?
§ Mr. MorrisThe hon. and learned Gentleman will have studied the Labour Party manifesto dealing with the kind of authority needed to cover all the requirements of mid-Wales. I am not at present able to assist him as to the form that will take. We are beginning to ensure that there is a suitable body in mid-Wales to develop the interests of the area.