HC Deb 09 February 1968 vol 758 cc250-1W
Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to arrive at a final decision concerning the detail of a plan for the reorganisation of local government in Wales.

Mrs. White

My right hon. Friend hopes to arrive at his decisions in time for this Parliament to pass the necessary legislation.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish a White Paper setting out in detail his decisions upon the reorganisation of local government.

Mrs. White

The White Paper "Local Government in Wales" (Cmnd. 3340) sets out for public discussion the Government's proposals for reorganisation of local government in Wales. It should not be assumed that the Government's decisions following discussions with the local authorities will be such as to require the publication of a further White Paper.

Mr. Tudor Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether, in the light of the representations made by the majority of local authorities in Wales in favour on an elected Welsh Council, he will reconsider his proposal in the White Paper on Local Government in Wales to establish a nominated Council; and whether he will make a statement.

Mrs. White

Apart from any other consideration, to establish an elected Council would require legislation. The Welsh Economic Council is due to be reconstituted at the end of March, 1968, and my right hon. Friend proposes, without diminishing the importance of its economic rôle, to extend its field of advisory work and to widen its membership. This can be done without prejudice to the further consideration, as promised in the White Paper, of future developments, in which account may be taken of the reports of the Royal Commissions.

While this further consideration is being given, much valuable work can be done by bringing together, through membership of the new Welsh Council or its subsidiary groups, persons serving on public bodies which are concerned with Wales as a whole or with a significant part of the Principality, as well as members of local authorities, in particular the planning authorities. In addition my right hon. Friend will appoint members from both sides of industry and individuals whose knowledge and experience would be of value to the Council.

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