HC Deb 17 February 1992 vol 204 c15
12. Sir Anthony Meyer

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has for an advisory council for Wales.

The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. David Hunt)

I am continuing to discuss the idea of establishing an economic forum with interested parties.

Sir Anthony Meyer

Will my right hon. Friend say a word about the consultations in which he has engaged with the other political parties in Wales and with Welsh local authorities, including those under Labour control?

Mr. Hunt

The proposal was put to me by the Council of Welsh Districts at a time when the Council was under Labour control. Its position has been maintained since the change of control, and I am considering the proposal very seriously.

Let me just say to the hon. Member for Ceredigion and Pembroke, North (Mr. Howells) that if my earlier assumption that the Liberal Democrats would abolish the Secretary of State for Wales was incorrect, I apologise and am happy to accept what he says. The question of the economic forum, however, does not relate in any way to proposals for devolution.

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