asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will institute a special study of the forms of employment subsidy which would be suited to Welsh industry.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Cardigan (Mr. Elystan Morgan) on 13th June.

That is a disappointing reply. Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there must be an alternative when regional employment premium, which helps to promote employment in Wales, is phased out? There will be a distribution in 1972–73of £12·9 million and in the following year of £13·1 million. Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Industry Bill gives no definite figures in this regard? In view of the unemployment figures for Wales, the right hon. and learned Gentleman of all people must know that a sensible alternative policy to subsidise employment in Wales is called for.

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer said in his Budget statement that the regional employment premium would be phased out over a period from September, 1974. He also said that the rate and method of phasing out would be announced in the light of circumstances at the time, and after consultation with industry. The matter must be considered in the context of the whole package of regional incen- tives which we are proposing, which has been warmly welcomed by the Welsh Council.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give a categorical assurance that every one of the forms of regional assistance administered by the Government, and those administered by the previous Government in fuller form, will be available to Wales without any inhibition in the event of our entry into the EEC?

The only assurance I can give the hon. Gentleman is the assurance given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor in his Budget statement, in particular when he said that the measures which we propose, and which, I repeat, were warmly welcomed by the Welsh Council in its report last week, are proposals which we intend should continue for the next eight years.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will introduce legislation preventing a member of a planning committee sitting on an application for planning consent for ground or property which he has purchased less than five years before the date of the application.

No, Sir. I consider that the present law relating to the disclosure of direct or indirect pecuniary interest by members of local authorities is adequate.

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that there is cause for public anxiety when a member of a planning committee is present, even though he does not take part in the discussion, during a discussion leading to the granting of planning permission for ground he has acquired recently, thereby increasing the value of the property by scores of thousands of pounds?

Members of local authorities were reminded of their statutory obligation in this respect in the Welsh Office Circular 85/72 issued in May. If a particular case concerns the hon. Gentleman, perhaps he will write to me about it, or it is open to him, if he believes that the statutory requirements have been contravened, to draw the attention of the police to the alleged offence.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will set up for South Caernarvonshire and North Merioneth an organisation similar to the Mid-Wales Industrial Development Association.

This is not a matter for me. The initiative to set up the Mid-Wales Industrial Development Association came from the local authorities themselves.

But is it not a fact that the Association, which has proved so successful in the Mid-Wales area, has been helped from Government funds, from sums provided in the Welsh Office Estimates? Will not the right hon. and learned Gentleman reconsider his reply, especially as he has overall responsibility for the progress of industry and employment in the Principality and might himself very well take the initiative that he mentions?

The right hon. Gentleman is quite correct. The Mid-Wales Industrial Development Association is financed by contributions from the member authorities and an annual grant from the Development Fund. An application for grant for a new body of this kind would need to be considered by the Development Commissioners. It is for the local authorities, or groups of authorities, to consider whether they should establish a promotional body of this sort. Authorities may well wish to consider that after the reorganisation of local government.

Do I take it from the right hon. and learned Gentleman's reply to my supplementary question that if the local authorities concerned moved in the direction of the Development Commission he would look upon such an application with a kindly eye?

The right hon. Gentleman knows that Icould not give a categorical assurance about that, but I am fully aware of the problems in the areas he mentioned, and I should be very anxious to consider, with appreciation of the difficulties, any applications that any authorities may make.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales on what date Messrs. Rendel Palmer and Tritton were engaged by his Department to investigate possible routes for sections 4 and 5 of the Merthyr-Cardiff trunk road; and what instructions he gave to them concerning the completion date of their investigations.

October, 1965. I understand that no specific date was set for the completion of the investigations

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there is unanimous support on both sides of the House for the most speedy completion of this road, which is vital to the economic well-being not only of Merthyr but of all of the Heads of the Valleys authorities? Is he further aware of the widespread dismay which results from the information which he has given us that the road will not be completed virtually until 1978 and that there will be a time lapse of nearly four years between the completion of stages 2 and 3 and stages 4 and 5? Instead of just accepting the advice that it is impossible to build the road faster because of procedural and technical reasons, will he investigate whether he can employ extra staff and speed up the procedures, even cutting a few corners, so that this vital road is built as quickly as possible?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, I had a very interesting and rewarding meeting with him and members of the Merthyr council the other day to discuss the question of this road. I am sure that he must have been very impressed by the figures given to him which indicated that we are devoting considerable resources to building this road and are moving ahead as fast as possible. I assure him that I need no prompting from him to go ahead faster.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether, in view of the increasing importance of the tourist industry to the Welsh economy, he will take steps to institute a scheme of awards for services to the Welsh tourist industry.

No, Sir. The annual award of the Festival of Wales Trophy initiated by the Wales Tourist Board appears to be working well.

Will my hon. Friend consider that in this, as in so many other matters, the Wales Tourist Board might give a lead and example to other tourist boards? Would not this be yet another needed opportunity to raise the esteem in which the tourist industry stands and emphasise its capacity to make a year-round contribution to solving the unemployment problem in Wales?

I agree with my hon. Friend that the Wales Tourist Board is leading the way in this country. The recipients of the trophies—one given in 1970 to the narrow gauge railways of Wales and the other given in 1971 to the Broad haven countryside unit—were very well chosen.

Will the Secretary of State undertake to consider whether it will be desirable for the tourist industry to qualify for the selective assistance which will be available under the proposed Industry Bill in view of the importance of the tourist industry to Wales?

That is another question, but I am sure that if the hon. Gentleman tables it he will get an answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether a decision on the Dee barrage is likely to be made before the start of the Summer Recess.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a further statement on the Dee crossing.

An announcement will be made as soon as possible. I hope it will be before the Recess.

I welcome the announcement that it may be made before the Summer Recess, but is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that this Question has been asked every other fortnight for the whole of this Session of Parliament?

I am aware of that because it is a statement of fact. I also appreciate the desire for an early statement and I hope—I cannot put it any higher—that an announcement will be made before the Summer Recess.

On this controversial and problematical scheme, does the Secretary of State understand that the crossing scheme takes a lower priority to the further development of Shotton steelworks in relation to Deeside?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, I appreciate the importance attached in the locality to the future of Shotton steelworks.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will ask the Welsh Council to examine the question of the provision of retraining facilities, particularly in North-West Wales.

I do not think this would be appropriate. The training needs of North-West Wales have been most carefully considered and steps to meet those needs are being taken.

Is the Secretary of State aware that that is a most disappointing and disheartening reply, especially coming from the right hon. and learned Gentleman who, as a Member who formerly represented a constituency in the area, knows the difficulties of the area as well as anyone? Is he further aware that the present facilities are totally inadequate and that there is only one retraining centre in North Wales, namely, at Wrexham, and that the men and women who go there from my area have to spend protracted periods away from home? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman ask the Welsh Council to make an objective study of this matter and, if necessary, make representations to the Secretary of State for Employment?

As the right hon. Gentleman knows from a letter which he received from the Minister of State at the Department of Employment, that Department has studied this matter very carefully. The right hon. Gentleman has asked about a Government training centre. He will know from the letter which he received that the main requirement in North-West Wales is to provide limited skill training, and that is being provided. Additional courses in limited engineering skills are due to start at Bangor and Llangefni in September. Denis Ferranti Meters Ltd. is also co-operating.

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will move for the Welsh Office Estimates to be examined by Welsh Members of Parliament on the same lines as Scottish Office Estimates are examined by Scottish Members.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will move to enable detailed consideration of Welsh Estimates by the Welsh Grand Committee.

Consideration of any such changes is a matter within the general terms of reference of the Procedure Committee. I have no doubt that the Committee has noted these suggestions.

Surely the Secretary of State is aware that by 1975–76 the Welsh Office Estimates will amount to about £460 million to £500 million. The time available to Welsh Members to scrutinise the Estimates is woefully inadequate. In addition, the functions within the right hon. and learned Gentleman's responsibilities are closely akin to those of the Secretary of State for Scotland, and Scottish Members have much more opportunity of assessing and scrutinising the Scottish Estimates.

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the position of the Scottish Grand Committee and its consideration of Estimates is set out in the Standing Orders. What the hon. Gentleman proposes would entail amending the Standing Orders. There are appropriate channels through which these matters can be raised. If a large number of Members of the Welsh Grand Committee wish this change to be considered, there are appropriate channels through which it can be done.

Does not the Secretary of State realise that what we are asking, particularly in Question 27, is that he should move in the matter? I know that he might find such an arduous feat difficult to achieve, but cannot he initiate some action which will enable the processes of Parliament to be progressively more relevant to the present range and amount of expenditure and the responsibilities being carried out by the Welsh Office?

All I am saying is that it is not appropriate at Question Time to deal with this sort of proposed change because there are appropriate procedures for it. It is a matter for the House, and should right hon. and hon. Members wish such changes to be made they should take steps through the usual channels.

Surely the Secretary of State is aware that he cannot shuffle off the matter like that. Wales has a right to know whether he is of opinion that we as Welsh Members are entitled to have the same opportunities of investigating Welsh statistics as Scottish Members have of examining expenditure by the Scottish Office. Since the Opposition very much want this to be done, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman say that he will not oppose it?

It is very interesting that this is the first time that the right hon. Gentleman has said to me that that is the view of the official Welsh Opposition. If that is their view, the matter can be considered, bearing in mind that the proposed changes might well involve extra staff being employed in the Welsh Office and that other problems must be considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to ensure the provision of special entry roads into cities and large towns for heavy lorries and commercial tanker vehicles.

I am considering in conjunction with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister for Transport Industries the possibility of introducing a system for the routing of heavy vehicles.

I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for that very encouraging reply, but does he not deem it a tremendous advantage that in parts of France—for example, in the large towns and cities—heavy goods vehicles are segregated at the entrance to suburban areas and diverted from residential areas and houses?

I was not aware of that, and I should be grateful if my hon. Friend would let me have any information he has about it.

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman also realise that much of the most dislocating effect is on small towns such as Llantwit Major where heavy vehicles go through narrow streets completely disrupting the life of communities as well as endangering the lives of the inhabitants, and that more must be done to bypass such towns to save people from inconvenience and danger?

I am fully aware of the difficulties in many towns, and it is one of the reasons why we are pressing ahead as fast as resources allow with such improvements as bypassing towns.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what study he has made of the special entry roads into cities and large towns in Western European countries for heavy lorries and commercial tanker vehicles; and what conclusions he has reached.

I have made no specific study of the position in Western Europe, but I will be glad to look into any particular point my hon. Friend has in mind.

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman think that if his hon. Friend the Member for Barry (Mr.Gower) is so concerned about the ravages that might be done by these heavy lorries he should not have voted so assiduously for the passage of the European Communities Bill, and will the right hon. and learned Gentleman confirm that he and his hon. Friends voted against a Clause designed specifically to retain some remnant of parliamentary control in this House to try to deal with this question?

The matter which is concerning my hon. Friend relates to special entry roads into cities and large towns in Western Europe, and this is a matter about which I am anxious to learn. As I told my hon. Friend, I shall be glad to look into any point that he has in mind. If we can benefit from anything that my hon. Friend has seen happening in Western Europe to assist in overcoming this problem, naturally we shall be only too glad to look into the matter.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that, contrary to the advice given by the hon. Member for Ebbw Vale (Mr. Michael Foot), the safeguards for which I ask are provided within France, which is one of the countries in the Common Market?

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the British Steel Corporation concerning matters of joint concern.

I keep in close and regular contact with the British Steel Corporation about the steel industry in Wales.

In the defence of Welsh interests, the right hon. and learned Gentleman seems to display all the eloquence of a Trappist monk. Is he not aware that in the past two years more than 3,000 redundancies have been notified in the Newport area alone and that many more are on the way? What is he doing about it? Why does not he at least make a simple gesture by placing Newport in the development area and thereby give some hope to our people?

I can tell the hon. Gentleman that the corporation's investment has been stepped up substantially from £80 million in 1969–70 to£265 million this year, and that Welsh projects will account for about one-third of the corporation's investment in 1972–73.

Since it appears likely that the British Steel Corporation will announce the closure of Shotton's 12 open hearth furnaces, which at present provide 7,000 jobs, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman guarantee that there will be no announcement about this possible closure while the House is in recess?

When an announcement is made about the British Steel Corporation's long-term plans, which of course, will take into account regional aspects, certainly I hope that a statement about the Government's decision will be made in this House. As for Shotton, I can tell the hon. Gentleman that no decisions have been taken.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the loss of 7,000 jobs in North Wales would be disastrous for the area. Will he tell us what steps he is taking to avoid that catastrophe?

As the right hon. Gentleman may or may not know, I have had meetings with representatives of local authorities in the area and of both sides of industry. I have discussed the matter with the British Steel Corporation. I do not think that I can add anything to what I have said, namely, that no decision has been taken by the British Steel Corporation about the future of Shotton.

Can my right hon. and learned Friend assure the House that in considering this matter the Government will not allow mere book-keeping considerations to be decisive?

The Government have said that the decision initially must be one for the British Steel Corporation. Clearly the Government will then have to consider the corporation's representations, and the Government have said that regional considerations will be taken into account.

The right hon. and learned Gentleman has referred to the announcement that the British Steel Corporation will make of its long-term so-called strategic plans for the industry. Since he has said that this is initially a matter for the British Steel Corporation, will the Secretary of State say what representations his Department has made about the proposed figure of 28 million tons steel production in this country? Has not the Welsh Office made representations against that figure? If the industry were to be kept down to such a figure, it could be disastrous for the industry as a whole and for Wales in particular.

The figure was not fixed at 28 million tons; there was a range. It was accepted by the British Steel Corporation.

Does not the Secretary of State agree that the figure of 28 million tons was put forward not by the British Steel Corporation but by the Government? I am asking what representations the Welsh Office made about that figure.

The hon. Gentleman is wrong. The figure, which was originally an inflated figure suggested by the British Steel Corporation, was, after the British Steel Corporation had gone into the matter more carefully, revised to between 28 million and 36 million tons.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of those replies, I give notice on behalf of my right hon. and hon. Friends that I intend to pursue the matter further on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will publish the evidence submitted by individuals and organisations in Wales to the Commission on the Constitution.

This is entirely a matter for the Commission. So far, three volumes of evidence relating to Wales have been published and I understand that a further volume, which will include the remainder of the material in respect of Wales, will be published in the Autumn.

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman realise that the evidence submitted is a matter of vital concern when people consider the efficacy of the Commission's recommendations? Is there not an equal case, in advance of the report, for publishing a popular document putting forward the evidence submitted on behalf of each of the bodies so that discussion of that report can be informed and enlightening?

There is a lot in what the hon. Gentleman says. However, I remind him that this is a Royal Commission, and the publication of these reports is a matter for the commission. So far, three volumes of evidence relating to Wales have been published. I understand that a further volume will be published in the autumn

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will ensure that the Welsh Hospital Board carries out the reorganisation of hospital services in the Rhymney Valley in such a way as to provide a full range of services at the Caerphilly Miners' Hospital, in line with the discussion he had with the Rhymney Valley Hospital Action Committee and his letter of 4th June, 1971.

I am satisfied that the Welsh Hospital Board are implementing the pattern of services approved in the Welsh Office's letter of 4th June, 1971.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a letter written to the Secretary of State for Wales on 23rd June by the chairman of Caerphilly urban district council, who also represents the Rhymney Valley Hospital Action Committee, expresses utter dissatisfaction with the way in which the Welsh Hospital Board intends to implement the letter of the Secretary of State of 4th June, 1971? Is the hon. Gentleman aware, further, that there is considerable bitterness in the letter to which I have referred, which charges practically a breach of faith? Will the hon. Gentleman accept from me that in the whole of the Rhymney Valley the community is filled with bitterness about what is considered to be a situation in which it has been sold down the river, and that it equates this kind of action at a more local level with the larger elements of betrayal in this Government's general policy on prices and the Common Market and in many other directions?

Order. I must point out that lengthy supplementaries simply mean that fewer hon. Members have an opportunity to ask questions. I must ask hon. Members to be brief.

The hon. Gentleman's concluding remarks vitiate the interest that he rightly has in the hospital services in Caerphilly. It has never been envisaged that a district general hospital should be in Caerphilly, however. I myself have visited the hospital and have had a number of discussions. The hospital board has had discussions with the action committee. Further talks are being arranged between the hospital board and the action committee. Naturally I hope that the best answer will be found for Caerphilly.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what pro- gress has been made with the implementation of the recommendations of the Bevan Report on the hospital service in Pembrokeshire.

Nine recommendations have been implemented and two await the building of the new hospital at Withy bush. The remaining six recommendations are under continuous review, although there are problems in certain instances. I will write to my hon. Friend about this.

Will my hon. Friend tell me what action is being taken to give permanent hospital appointments to GPs, to ensure that the orthopædic consultant holds at least four sessions a week in Pembrokeshire, and to ensure that the casualty department is headed by a consultant surgeon with adequate supporting staff, as recommended in the report?

I shall have to write to my hon. Friend about the first part of his question.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what requests he has received for Government assistance in the establishment of the Welsh centre for international affairs; and if he will make a statement.

A suggestion has been put forward that a Minister should perform an opening ceremony. I am awaiting a further approach by the sponsors of this proposed establishment.

I am grateful to my right hon. and learned Friend for that reply, because I am sure that it will be appropriate as a good send off. However, I must confess that I had something more tangible in mind when I spoke of assistance. Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the failure of both central and local government to provide funds to establish an effective secretariat would be a shabby rebuff to the Davies family who have done so much for both Wales and international understanding?

I have not so far received any request for financial help. Therefore, I feel sure my hon. Friend will understand that I cannot comment any further.

In view of the very good response there has been from Welsh people to the appeal for funds for this international centre, will the Secretary of State undertake to look sympathetically at such an appeal when it comes to him, which I feel sure is likely?

As I said, I have not so far received any request for financial help. Therefore, I cannot comment hypothetically.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will request the Welsh Economic Council to make a survey of areas in Cardiganshire which are not at present served by any public transport services and of the economic effects to those areas of the absence of such services.

The Welsh Council has, with my full agreement and support, already commissioned a major research project on passenger transport needs throughout Wales. Work started in June.

Will the Secretary of State acknowledge that there is a special problem in places such as Cardiganshire where over half the population live in areas where there is virtually no public transport service at all and that this has the effect of bringing about a complete disintegration in the life of the outlying communities? Is he prepared, therefore, to set up a pilot survey in an area with problems as acute as Cardiganshire?

I accept that Cardiganshire has special problems, but special problems in Wales are not confined to Cardiganshire. This special study which has been set up will involve a wide-ranging look at the whole pattern of communications in Wales, including Cardiganshire, and I hope that it will help to establish criteria on which future discussions can be based.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will institute a special study of the hazards to health, life and limb, arising from accidents to, or collisions between, the increasingly large number of road tanker vehicles now being used in the transportation, in Wales, of volatile liquid chemical cargo.

No, I see no need for a separate study of the problem in Wales. The matter falls within the field of review of the Standing Advisory Committee on Dangerous Substances which has it under active consideration.

That reply indicates that safety is not within the purview of the right hon. and learned Gentleman. Is he aware that he cannot recommend to his right hon. Friend too soon that specified road routes be used in Wales for specified cargoes of liquid chemicals and petrol? Is he further aware that he should resist any increase in the axle load of such vehicles, be they British or continental juggernauts, which will come when we are vassals of France? Will he recommend to his right hon. Friend that all road tanker vehicles, British or foreign, be subject to the highest standard of mechanical efficiency?

Safety in Wales is obviously a matter of concern to me, but the conveyance of dangerous substances by road is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. The conveyance by road of a large number of volatile liquid chemicals is already controlled by regulations under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928. It is our intention that further substances should be brought within control as soon as detailed requirements have been formulated by the Standing Advisory Committee on Dangerous Substances. I see no need for a separate study of the problem in Wales.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend note that, apart from dangerous substances, there is acute anxiety about these huge vehicles which many people feel should be restricted in speed? They are restricted in speed in several continental countries. I hope that my right hon. and learned Friend will look at this matter.

I am aware that there is anxiety about these large vehicles. It is probably for that reason that my hon. Friend had two Questions down today.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will pay an early visit to Penygroes, Caernarvonshire, to discuss local questions with the local authorities.

I have no immediate plans to visit Penygroes, but I will bear the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion in mind.

I thank the Secretary of State for his reply. Everyone in Caernarvonshire hopes that he will take an early opportunity to visit this important centre of the former slate industry in Wales and that, when he visits the township, he will bring with him hope for early occupancy by a suitable tenant of the excellent factory in Penygroes that has been standing idle for two years?

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that occupancy of that factory in Penygroes would probably transform that situation there. As he knows, a complete renovation of the factory has recently been carried out at a cost of £44,000, which should make it more attractive to prospective occupants. I assure him that the factory is being brought to the attention of industrialists by the Department of Trade and Industry.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what study his Department has carried out into the developmental benefits of new road building in Wales.

The developmental effect of new road building is always taken into account in the planning of new roads.

Is the Secretary of State aware that one of the major recommendations of the Estimates Committee preceding the last election was that his Department should set up such a study and investigate the return and developmental benefit of new roads as an important weapon in the armoury of the Welsh Office and other regional Departments in obtaining even greater funds for road building, not only to relieve immediate congestion but to create a new pattern of industrial development throughout South Wales?

I am aware of that recommendation. No specific study has been undertaken, but the wide-ranging Government-financed study of transport in Wales currently being done at Aberystwyth will help to shed further light on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what guidance is given to local authorities on the payment of improvement grants.

General advice is given by departmental circulars. The Welsh Office is glad to give individual local authorities guidance on particular points of difficulty.

Is the Minister of State aware that, whatever the merits of this problem, one must deplore the violent and arrogant demonstration which took place in an auction sale at Caernarvon last Friday? Is he further aware that many of us have been concerned about this problem for a very long time and that we do not need a demonstration to draw to our attention the fact, or to instruct us, that the best way of dealing with a matter of this kind is through constitutional means? Will he therefore bring to the notice of local authorities the desirability of ensuring that these grants go to people who need first homes and that grants to people who need holiday homes should be witheld until the demand for first homes in Wales has been met?

I certainly share the concern referred to by the right hon. Gentleman in the earlier part of his supplementary. As he well knows, the policy being adopted by this Government is the same as that adopted by the Labour Government. I remind the right hon. Gentleman that local authorities give grants to put in only standard amenities, such as a bath and hot and cold water. It is surely right that every dwelling should have these amenities, however infrequently it is used.

Is the Minister of State aware that the runaway increase in land and property prices has transformed the situation and that it is no use his referring to what happened two years ago. Is he further aware that while all decent-minded Welshmen object to the storm troopers of the Welsh Language Society, none the less they expect the Government to introduce adequate control over the prices of land and property to ensure that local inhabitants are able to compete to buy houses in the locality?

Yes, Sir. I was made aware of the right hon. Gentleman's views on this matter in his article in the LiverpoolDaily Post this week, but I am not certain that the suggestions which he put forward would solve the problem.

May I, as the Member for Caernarvon, strongly endorse what my right hon. Friend the Member for Anglesey (Mr. Cledwyn Hughes) said about the repugnance with which the general population of the area and, indeed, the whole of Wales, regard this kind of demonstration on a matter which most of us feel is in need of reform?

I agree with the first part of the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary. With regard to the second part, as I have said on previous occasions from this Box, it is not a straight-forward matter and it is not easy to find an answer that will please everybody.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what will be the rank of the senior Welsh Office representative on the British delegation to the European Economic Community in Brussels.

The British delegation in Brussels is representative of the United Kingdom as a whole and there are no special territorial appointments.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one reason for the opposition of the Welsh people to the Common Market is the increasing remoteness and undemocratic method of decision-making? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman assure us that one crumb of comfort will be the appointment of an Assistant Commissioner for Wales?

As I said, there are no special appointments in respect of territorial interests. The Welsh Office will not be specifically represented on the delegation, nor, for the same reason, will the Scottish Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the Chairman of the Welsh Sports Council in relation to safety standards at sports grounds.

Questions of crowd safety at sports grounds are dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs. He is consulting the Sports Council for Wales on this topic.

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that the introduction of VAT will be highly detrimental to sport in Wales? Does he appreciate, too, that the four English League soccer clubs have considerable expenditure on their hands due to ground improvements as a result of the Wheatley recommendations, and that they cannot afford VAT as well? Will the hon. Gentleman seek to exempt Welsh Rugby from this tax, because it is strictly amateur in character and relies so much on voluntary labour?

VAT is a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will appoint to the Welsh Office staff a person qualified to act in liaison with the Public Health Inspectorate in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

I am satisfied that adequate arrangements already exist in the Welsh Office for liaison with local authorities on matters which are the concern of the Public Health Inspectorate.

Will the hon. Gentleman accept that the Public Health Inspectorate does not agree with that viewpoint? Is he not aware that increasingly the inspectorate is playing an important part in the environment of Wales? It took a major part in the sample housing survey in Wales. It has onerous duties in connection with noise pollution, its measurement and the initiation of action to deal with it. It will become increasingly important in consumer protection through the food and drugs legislation. Does the hon. Gentleman accept that though professional organisations in local government in Wales have a direct link with the Welsh Office, this does not apply to the Public Health Inspectorate? Will he please give further consideration to this matter?

The Welsh Office is glad to have regular contacts with the Association of Public Health Inspectors and to discuss matters of common concern, but I see no necessity to appoint a special liaison officer, nor am I aware that difficulties have arisen under the present arrangements or that my right hon. and learned Friend is lacking in appropriate advice.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the total expenditure in Wales in the financial years 1970–71 and 1971–72 on compensation and the acquisition of land for motorway and trunk road construction in Wales.

Approximately £880,000 in 1970–71 and £1,600,000 in 1971–72.

Does not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that it would be right, both from the point of view of equity, and also because of the need to speed up the road-building programme, to pay adequate compensation to those who suffer from proximity to these new roads? Will he therefore consult his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment with a view to taking early action?

As my hon. Friend knows, the Government have for some time been engaged in considering the whole of these wide and complex issues. He will appreciate that until an announcement is made on this matter I cannot make any statement.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that if he were to give approval to some of the more extravagant proposals submitted for building urban motorways in Wales the cost of land acquisition as well as the loss of homes would increase and multiply in years to come, whereas the money could be spent on providing better roads and developing the industrial economy of South Wales?

Considerations of that kind are borne in mind.