§ 3. Sir A. Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Wales what representation he has received from Rhuddlan Borough Council regarding the financing of the proposed all-weather entertainments centre at Rhyl; and what reply he has sent.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Alec Jones)The council sought our views on the proposed financial arrangements following, I understand, misgivings expressed by the merchant bank concerned. My reply, while drawing attention to the autonomy of local authorities, indicated that the proposed arrangements appeared not to be in accord with the Government's policy on public expenditure.
§ Sir A. MeyerIs the Minister aware of the critical importance of this scheme both for re-equipping Rhyl as a modern tourist resort and for providing employment in what is one of the black spots of Wales? Will he undertake not merely to pass on the refusals emanating from other Government Departments, but actively to co-operate with the local district council to ascertain whether alternative methods of financing would be acceptable to the Government?
§ Mr. Alec JonesI assure the hon. Gentleman that I am as concerned as he is about employment prospects in that area, as I am concerned about employment prospects in all areas of the Principality. I should have thought that the special measures announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer would help in that connection. The Government's policy on control of borrowing by local authorities is quite clear. I am afraid that it must apply in this case, as in all others. There is not much point in Tory Members asking the Government on Monday to expend public money and on Tuesday asking the Government to restrain public expenditure.