HC Deb 18 March 1974 vol 870 cc650-1
14. Mr. Michael Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received in favour of granting development area status to the county of South Glamorgan.

Mr. John Morris

None since I took office.

Mr. Roberts

Because of the greatly improved economic position of the South Wales valleys, does the Secretary of State agree that the justification in "Wales—The Way Ahead" for the exclusion of South Glamorgan from the development area is no longer valid?

Mr. Morris

I should certainly consider any case put forward in the light of the expected changes in the economy and employment opportunities in the whole area.

Mr. Roy Hughes

Will my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the employment problems of Cardiff and Newport are as great as, if not greater than, those affecting Llanelli and Port Talbot, and does he not think that the time is opportune to designate the whole of the South Wales as a development area?

Mr. Morris

My hon. Friend will appreciate that the gravity of the situation in various areas is open to argument. I shall be considering the whole situation in consultation with my right hon. Friends.