§ 85. Mr. Watkinsasked the President of the Board of Trade what was the purpose of the conference convened by his Department in Cardiff, on 29th April; the number of trade union representatives present; how many Government Departments were represented; and whether Welsh Members of Parliament will in future be sent copies of any statements relating to Wales given by his Department to the Press.
§ Mr. Belcher:As a preliminary to a three-day Press tour of the South Wales Development area, a conference was held to give representatives of the national and local Press a current picture of what is being done to attract new industry to South Wales. The Conference was attended by officials of the Board of Trade, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Supply, Ministry of Fuel and Power and Central Office of Information, together with three members of the Regional 230W Board, of whom one was the chairman, one a trade unionist and one an employer of labour. In reply to the latter part of the Question, it is not customary to send copies of Press statements to hon. Members and I do not think that such a practice would be convenient.