HC Deb 17 January 1978 vol 942 cc245-6
Q2. Mr. Wigley

asked the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to Gwynedd.

The Prime Minister

I have at present no plans to do so.

Mr. Wigley

Is the Prime Minister aware that the people of Gwynedd are extremely disappointed that, after four years, the Labour Government have failed to come forward with any proposals to help quarry workers who are suffering from silicosis? Since the Pearson Commission has now finished its report, can the Prime Minister give an assurance that the Labour Government will act to help these people who have so far been left out in the cold?

The Prime Minister

I shall certainly look into this matter again. I can give some assurances. The Welsh National School of Medicine and the Gwynedd Health Authority have just finished their researches into it. Although their final report has not been published, I have been told that in the course of the survey 69 men who are sufferers were advised that they could make a claim to the Department of Health and Social Security for industrial injuries benefit for pneumoconiosis. Thirty did so, and 28, I am glad to say, were successful. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services will study the final report, and I assure the hon. Gentleman that if there are others who can be included after he has studied it, they will be so advised.

Mr. Ioan Evans

Will my right hon. Friend look at the reply given by the Secretary of State for Wales yesterday that he had received only two letters supporting the establishment of a Welsh Assembly? When he makes his regular visit to Wales, will he describe the tremendous financial recovery that, with the Government's efforts, has been made in our country in recent years, and outline proposals to deal with unemployment, which is the main issue concerning Welsh people today?

The Prime Minister

I accept that, but the Wales Bill to set up an Assembly will be debated in the House and I think it important that we should have those discussions at that time. Certainly, I find in Wales a considerable understanding of the need for the mixed economy and of the need for considerable Government intervention in order to secure lower levels of unemployment.

Mr. Powell

When the Prime Minister is next fortunate enough to visit the de-delightful land of Gwynedd, will he visit Caergybi or Holyhead and, in consultation with his right hon. Friend the Member for Anglesey (Mr. Hughes), assist the creation of a sea link between Anglesey and Northern Ireland, to the mutual benefit of the workers in both parts of the kingdom?

The Prime Minister

I shall consider the right hon. Gentleman's important and interesting suggestion. I should certainly need to take into account the views of my right hon. Friend the Member for Anglesey (Mr. Hughes), whose father-in-law was a sea captain who used to operate on this route.