§ 11. Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from local authorities in Wales on the Government cut of capital spending and the proposed 3 per cent. reduction in the amount of spending projected for 1979–80.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsOne, from Clwyd county council.
§ Mr. EvansHas not the hon. Gentleman had correspondence from the Cynon Valley borough council? That council is disturbed about the effect of the cuts and the fact that it will not be able to take on apprentices and train them for future jobs. On Friday I met representatives of the Mid-Glamorgan authority, which intends to write to the Government deploring the cuts that will have a severe effect on the services to the people of Mid-Glamorgan.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsI am grateful for the information about the Cynon Valley council, but so far I have not received such representations.
§ Mr. WigleyHas not the hon. Gentleman misread the question, which includes district and county councils? Is he aware of the letter from Dwyfor council that was sent to the Welsh Office several weeks ago on that matter? Does he intend that Gwynedd county council should increase rates to make up for the massive loss of resources for the county and district?
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsWe hope that all councils will make real savings, and it is important that they should. If the hon. Gentleman is encouraging local authorities to raise rates, I am sure that the ratepayers will be interested to know that.
§ Mr. Ioan EvansOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.