HC Deb 02 December 1991 vol 200 c20
43. Mr. Murphy

To ask the Minister for the Civil Service how many secondments to industry from the civil service have taken place in Wales.

Mr. Renton

There have been 15 secondments from civil service departments to industry and commerce in Wales since the beginning of 1990.

Mr. Murphy

I am grateful to the Minister for both answers, but I suggest that the number of secondments is not sufficient. There should have been more secondments from the civil service to industry in Wales to improve the quality of advice from the Welsh Office. Will the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that the figure will be improved in the months ahead?

Mr. Renton

I cannot agree with the hon. Gentleman that the quality of advice from the Welsh Office could be improved. Having just listened to the end of Welsh questions, I am very much aware of the deep knowledge of and expertise in all Welsh matters of my colleagues on the Government Front Bench. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] I am glad that my comment received rapturous applause from both sides of the House.

On the hon. Gentleman's particular point, it is not for us to direct secondments from the civil service to industry and commerce. People have to find partnerships in which they are willing to engage. I am sure that the Welsh Office will take the hon. Gentleman's point on board and I hope that the number of secondments will increase.