Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what greater powers of autonomy have been granted the Welsh Office of his Department at Aberystwyth since the assurance given by the Government on 4th February, 1952, and 22nd January, 1953; and what services in Wales are now responsible direct to Whitehall.
Mr. AmoryAs explained in January, 1953, the Welsh Secretary's status has been raised and special arrangements made to see that he is brought into consultation on all matters in which Wales has a special interest. In addition increased responsibilities on questions of land use have been devolved on him. The National Agricultural Advisory Service and the Agricultural Land Service in Wales are responsible to directors in Wales who, in their turn, are responsible to the Departmental heads of their respective services.