HC Deb 18 July 1988 vol 137 cc778-9
14. Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning the establishment of a Welsh parliament since June 1987.

Mr. Peter Walker

In the past year I have received only two letters specifically asking for a Welsh parliament.

Mr. Bennett

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the response by the people of Wales to Opposition Members' demands shows that they recognise the importance of being fully represented in this House and that they do not wish to see another tier of government added to the burden on the Welsh people? Does my right hon. Friend also agree that the new-found interest of Opposition Members is merely a recognition of their impotence?

Mr. Walker

In fairness, my hon. Friend must specify which Opposition Members have one view and which have another. The last official view of the Opposition was in their manifesto, which said: Wales is an integral part of the United Kingdom. Labour rejects any proposals which would separate Wales in any way from the rest of Britain. I trust that after his triumphant return from Zimbabwe the Leader of the Opposition will make clear the Labour party's position.

Mr. Wigley

Does the Secretary of State accept that since 1979 thousands of people in Wales who voted no on that occasion have seen the potential merit of having a directly elected Welsh body, namely, that the responsibilities of the Welsh Office would come under the control of people elected in Wales who would answer to the people of Wales? If there were sufficient evidence from Wales that there was a strong desire for an elected tier of democracy there, would he for ever more pitch his heart against it?

Mr. Walker

I noted the result of the last referendum on the subject. In fairness, the hon. Gentleman has remained consistent on the issue as has his party. Indeed, it is the main purpose of his party. The Conservative party has also remained consistent on the issue. The only party that changes its view from time to time is the Labour party.

Mr. Forth

Does my right hon. Friend propose to invite the Leader of the Opposition for discussions on this important matter on his return from Zimbabwe? Does he think that the Leader of the Opposition will have learnt anything of interest from his visit to Zimbabwe that will help the Welsh people, or does he believe that he will be so upset by what happened to him there that he will be incapable of any discussions on anything?

Mr. Walker

I do not wish to join my hon. Friend in that sort of allegation. I happen to be one of the leaders of the belief that we must preserve the present Leader of the Opposition at all costs.