HC Deb 21 June 1976 vol 913 cc1080-1
7. Mr. Roderick

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will announce the date when the Development Board for Rural Wales will become operational.

Mr. Barry Jones

We propose that the board should be constituted as soon as possible after the Bill at present before the House is enacted and should act in a shadow capacity until it commences to discharge its functions on 1st April 1977.

Mr. Roderick

My hon. Friend will no doubt be aware that the Bill, which has been in another place, has not yet come before this House. Is my hon. come before this House. Is he aware of the publicity given last week to the threat by the official Opposition to prevent the Bill going to the Welsh Grand Committee? Will he comment on that matter and tell us whether he feels that would be helpful or detrimental to such a good measure?

Mr. Barry Jones

I should tell my hon. Friend, who always keeps an eagle eye on rural and Mid-Wales, that the Government wish to make speedy progress. I hope that is also true of the other parties in this House, but I cannot answer for them. I am sure that good sense will prevail and that no one will wish to sabotage or frustrate this much-needed measure.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

I should like to add my support for the Bill and say that my hon. Friends and I feel strongly that this legislation must be enacted this year. However, I should like to ask the hon. Gentleman whether, in coming to a decision within the Welsh Office about the post of chairman of this new board, the intention is to follow the policy that has been followed since the Secretary of State came to office, of appointing well-known supporters of the Labour Party to prominent positions.

Mr. Barry Jones

I must refute that mischievous interjection by the hon. Gentleman. Indeed, my right hon. and learned Friend, who is frequently impartial in his appointments, appointed the Lady Anglesey as Chairman of the Arts Council in Wales, and also appointed to the chairmanship of the Sports Council Mr. Harry Llewellyn, who is not noted for his firm support of the Labour Party. I must therefore refute the hon. Gentleman's inference.

Mr. Geraint Howells

Is the Minister in a position to say where the headquarters of the Development Board for Rural Wales will be? If not, will he say what representations he has received from councils or other bodies in Wales on this matter?

Mr. Barry Jones

We have received representations. I know that this is an important matter to the hon. Gentleman, but I cannot at this stage say where the headquarters will be. However, all representations will be very carefully considered.