HC Deb 11 December 1978 vol 960 cc1-3
2. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received to give financial assistance to both sides in the referendum to be held on 1st March 1979 under the Wales Act.

The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. John Morris)

Other than in the course of discussion of the Wales Bill in this House, I have received no representations.

Mr. Knox

Will the Secretary of State reconsider his attitude to the granting of financial aid to both sides in the campaign? Does he accept that it is important that everything about a referendum should be seen to be fair? Would it not help to convince people that it was fair if both sides had financial assistance, as indeed happened in the EEC referendum?

Mr. Morris

Whether it be right or wrong, there is no provision for that in the Wales Act or the Scotland Act, and it would require primary legislation.

Mr. Geraint Howells

Is the Secretary of State able to say when the result of the referndum will be announced? If the majority of the Welsh people vote in favour, and if we do not get the 40 per cent. required, what representations will the Secretary of State make to the Prime Minister?

Mr. Morris

As regards the timing of the declarations, I assume that they will be made as soon as possible after the count. I shall appoint a chief counting officer for the whole of Wales, and I am sure that it will be part of his function to expedite the count as rapidly as possible. Thereafter, the Act lays down that certain orders have to be made.

Mr. loan Evans

Will my right hon. and learned Friend, or one of his colleagues in the Government, be having discussions with the BBC and the IBA to, ensure that the case for and the case against an Assembly are given equal time on both channels?

Mr. Morris

I am aware of the concern about this issue on both sides of the House. It is for the broadcasting authorities to decide whether to allocate time to campaign organisations. The broadcasting authorities have an obligation to ensure that, so far as possible, due impartiality is preserved in broadcasting.

Back to