HL Deb 31 January 1972 vol 327 cc494-5
LORD CHALFONT

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have for the continuation of Cwrt-y-Gollen as a recruiting centre for Welsh infantry regiments.]

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE (LORD CARRINGTON)

My Lords, Cwrt-y-Gollen will continue to act as the training depot for the two Welsh infantry regiments. The plan for Cwrty-Gollen to serve four regiments (including the two Welsh regiments) is still under consideration.

LORD CHALFONT

My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether he is aware that my faith in the future of Cwrt-y-Gollen is increased by his impeccable pronunciation of the name? Is he aware that the colonels of all the regiments of the Prince of Wales's Division have recommended that Cwrt-y-Gollen should remain entirely Welsh? Is he further aware that Welsh recruits have stated that they would prefer to leave the Army altogether than to be recruited at Cwrt-y-Gollen and then find they have to serve in an English regiment? Will the noble Lord take these points into consideration when making a final decision?

LORD CARRINGTON

My Lords, I am obliged to the noble Lord. I have been practising quite a lot. I am aware of what he says, and this is the reason why we are taking a great deal of trouble to come to the right decision about this matter.

LORD CHALFONT

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for his consideration. Is he aware that this is not a simple administrative question but one that has deep political implications for the people of Wales? Will he assure the House that when this decision is made it will be made here by the noble Lord himself or by one of his Ministers and will not be left to administrative decision?

LORD CARRINGTON

Yes, my Lords, I will see that this decision is made to Parliament in one way or another. It is not only on the noble Lord's side of the House that there is interest in this matter. I am continually reminded about it by my noble friend Lord Aberdare.