asked the Secretary of State for Wales how soon in the new year he expects a decision to be made on the multi-purpose Dee reclamation scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects a decision to be made on the Dee crossing scheme.

Decisions will be taken in the light of the Water Resources Board report on national strategy for water. This report is expected early in the New Year.

As I was given almost exactly the same answer a year ago, is it not time that the Government came to a decision on this matter of immense importance in the North-West from the point of view of both amenity and unemployment?

As I told my hon. Friend in a recent letter, water storage proposals are an important element of the multipurpose Dee estuary scheme. For that reason it is right that one should see the report of the Water Resources Board on national strategy before a decision is taken.

Will the Government please quit stalling on this important matter? Is the Secretary of State aware that on Dee-side there is a state of total strangulation of traffic, as these photographs which I can show him prove? Is it not feasible for a road to be constructed immediately and a reservoir later?

There is no question of stalling. The Water Resources Board's report is expected to be sent to Ministers early in the New Year and to be published certainly by the spring of next year. As soon as the board's recommendations are known, my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and I will press ahead with an evaluation of the rôle of the Dee estuary in the national strategy alongside alternative possibilities for water supply. I assure the hon. Gentleman that there will be no avoidable delay in reaching a decision on the Dee Estuary project. It is right that we should reach a decision on that before pressing ahead with any new river communications scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the British Steel Corporation about future developments in the steel industry in South Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the British Steel Corporation and the Welsh Council regarding the contributions which the steel industry will make to the Welsh economy over the next decade.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the British Steel Corporation over the future of the steel industry in North Wales.

I maintain close contact with the corporation and I have also discussed matters with the Welsh Council.

Is the Minister aware that the Stewarts and Lloyds works at Newport is now rolling for stock and the rundown dates have been put back, and that meanwhile Clydesdale, into which capital has been poured, after 19 years' teething troubles, is reliably reported to be losing £1 million this year? Why do not the Government tell the British Steel Corporation to keep the reliable and profitable Newport works open and not to sell the site, particularly in view of the difficulties with steel in South Wales?

I was interested to hear what the hon. Gentleman said and I hope that the British Steel Corporation will take note of it. He will appreciate that decisions of this sort inevitably must be taken by the BSC and I hope that the BSC will take into account all matters, particularly those to which the hon. Gentleman has referred.

Is not that answer a thoroughly unsatisfactory if not irresponsible one? Is the Secretary of State saying that before the BSC made its announcement about the 4,500 redundancies at Ebbw Vale he had no discussions with the BSC and the Welsh Council? Will he tell the House whether he regards the position of Mr. Mel Rosser as Chairman of the Welsh Council as somewhat embarrassing in view of his directorship of the BSC? Is the Secretary of State in a position to say whether it is right that BSC is investing money in Rhodesia and in South Africa, and is he—

Order. The hon. Gentleman has asked three supplementary questions; I think that is enough.

I certainly am in contact with the directors of the BSC and have been for a long time. My officials are in constant contact with officials of the BSC. I do not understand why the hon. Gentleman said that my answer was irresponsible; it was a factual answer. The proposals recently announced for Ebbw Vale largely reflect the corporation's announcement of March 1970 that it saw no long-term future for iron- and steel-making there, and the recent announcement was confirmation of it. The BSC hopes to have consultations and discussions with the union on the proposals. As to the BSC intending to invest in Rhodesia and South Africa, a refutation of that allegation was made recently by the Chairman of the BSC.

I know that my right hon. and learned Friend will be aware of the deep concern in South Wales over the future of the steel industry. Is he satisfied that there are sufficient facilities for retraining to meet any eventualities?

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend that there is deep concern, and has been for some time, in South Wales over the prospects of rationalisation of the steel industry, because we in Wales are more dependent on the steel industry for employment than is any other part of the United Kingdom and it is a concern which I share. As for the second part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I must point out that retraining is something which clearly must be looked at very carefully in the light of other matters which will be needed to remedy any loss of job opportunities which may arise.

Do the Government propose to take instructions from the corporation in regard to the future of Shotton or do they intend to surrender that works?

The hon. Gentleman knows full well—I have had many discussions with him, and he was part of a deputation which met my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister the other day—that the Government have only recently received the British Steel Corporation's overall investment proposals. These are being urgently studied. No decision has been taken on Shotton. We hope that a statement will be made shortly, but any decision should not be taken quickly because there are many matters to be considered, in particular regional and social implications.

Since the last word lies with the Cabinet, and bearing in mind that the Secretary of State is the voice of Wales in the Cabinet, may I ask whether he is aware that we expect him to protect the jobs of our steel workers and that retraining schemes are no substitute if there are no jobs for the men who have been retrained?

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that retraining schemes by themselves are not the answer if there are no job opportunities. Other things have to be done, and in particular one would have to make full use of the powers which exist under the provisions of the Industry Act. With regard to the first part of the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, I must remind the House that it is the responsibility of the corporation to recommend the course which it considers to be in the best interests of the steel industry; but in considering the overall programme of investment the Government will take careful account of the implications on employment in the regions, and particularly in Wales so far as I am concerned, and the social consequences of closure will be given particular weight.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what area of land has been acquired to date for the proposed new general hospital at Bangor; how much is still being negotiated; and if he will make a statement.

Contracts have now been exchanged for about two-thirds of the site and negotiations are nearing completion for the remainder. Meanwhile the planning of the proposed hospital is making good progress and is not being delayed by the negotiations for the acquisition of the land.

I am grateful for that rather more encouraging reply. Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the acquisition of the remainder of the land is taking an inordinately long time? Although I appreciate the difficulties involved when land is in multiple ownership, is the Secretary of State aware that medical and nursing staff at this hospital are doing excellent work under great difficulty and that the delay is affecting members of the general public? Can he say when the physical work on the hospital is likely to be started?

The right hon. Gentleman agrees that there are difficulties when land is in multiple ownership, and I am afraid it is too soon to give a precise forecast of the starting date. It is expected that work will start before the end of the financial year 1975–76.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the constitution and operational methods of rent scrutiny boards in Wales on whether, location by location, the chairmen and members of these boards in Wales will devote full or part time to their duties; and what fee or payment will be made to the chairmen and members of these Welsh rent scrutiny boards.

Each of the seven boards in Wales will have a chairman and at least six other members chosen from the rent assessment panel. There will be no full-time appointments. Fees, depending upon membership status, will be paid for each sitting. The method of operation is a matter for the chairman to decide in consultation with the panel president.

That answer is unsatisfactory. Why has the Secretary of State missed out any question of a right of appeal being available to council house tenants? Is it right, in terms of both legal and natural justice, that such a right should be denied to the council house tenant? Will the Secretary of State consider affording to those tenants the right of the issue of an order of certiorari which is available when a person who is dissatisfied with a decision seeks to take the issue before a magistrates' court for a verdict? If this is not done, I believe that Ministers will be treating the Welsh people and the law with contempt, because a right of appeal should be given to everybody.

I am sure the hon. Gentleman will forgive me for not going into the legal complexities of his second point. However, I must point out that if the council house tenant disagrees with the council the right of appeal is to the rent assessment panel.

When the hon. Gentleman notifies or instructs rent scrutiny boards, will he at least tell them to hold their meetings in public so that people may see what is being done in the fixing of their rents?

It is not my understanding that they will meet in public but, as I have already said, there is the question of an appeal against a rent suggested by the council concerned.

I do not wish to enter into political wrangles about the merits of the Housing Finance Act, a piece of legislation which the Opposition deplore, but does the Minister think it fair that where parents in council houses take in their own sons and daughters and families while waiting for houses to be allocated, those parents should have to incur sub-tenancy fees, which in Swansea amount to 75p a week? Is he further aware that even after the sub-tenants have left the extra rent payment continues? How do the Government justify this charge? Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that these families are being charged £39 a year simply for being good parents and for behaving like normal members of families?

The hon. Gentleman raises matters of detail which will certainly be taken fully into consideration by rent assessment panels. He will be aware that one-third of the current membership of the rent assessment panels was appointed by the Labour Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he is satisfied that adequate medical facilities together with the necessary financial backing will be available to the new accident unit at Haverfordwest; and if he will make a statement.

I am satisfied that adequate financial backing will be available. However, detailed working arrangements are at present being considered by the Welsh Hospital Board. My right hon. and learned Friend does not intend to make a statement.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is great anxiety among local consultants, who feel that the Bevan Committee gravely under-estimated the practical problems of implementing its proposals for the accident unit, which explains the long delay in their being put into practice? Will my hon. Friend give an undertaking that not only will he investigate the matter but that he will keep me fully informed of progress?

I fully understand my hon. Friend's concern. I do not think it can be said that the Bevan Report under-estimated the difficulties, but it is the board's intention that six beds will be required for this unit. The reorganisation of existing services to provide these facilities has caused the delay. I shall keep my hon. Friend informed.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the cost of the study of transport in Wales now being made by Professor Graham Rees.

Twenty-five thousand pounds.

Will not the whole of this sum be completely wasted if the Cambrian Coast railway line and other railway lines in Wales are closed before Graham Rees reports in 1975? What is the point of spending this money when strategic decisions affecting the future of transport in Wales will have been taken years earlier?

As I have said before, this is an independent and long-term study which is being undertaken for the Welsh Council. It is intended that it should be a wide-ranging and comprehensive assessment of the transport needs of Wales as a whole. For that reason I believe that the money will be well spent.

Is it not important for the transport system of Wales that the Government should announce that there will be no passenger or freight line closure until the study has been computed and the proposals made public for the people of the Principality? I have in mind a freight line in my constituency which runs between Carmarthen and Newcastle Emlyn. Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman look at that?

This is a point which has been put to me by various bodies, especially those concerned with railway closures. I can give no assurance about policy decisions on specific services being delayed until the research team's report has been completed. I remind the hon. Gentleman of what I said to his hon. Friend the Member for Cardigan (Mr. Elystan Morgan).

In view of the right hon. and learned Gentleman's last reply, may I ask what will happen if a railway line in Wales is closed in the next two or three years and then the committee reports that the line should have remained open?

As the hon. Gentleman will appreciate, that is a hypothetical question.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many new jobs have been created to date in 1972 in Wales; how many jobs have been lost in this period; and what is his Depart- ment's estimate of the number of new jobs that will be created in 1973, 1974 and 1975.

Detailed information is not available in the form requested. Estimated manufacturing jobs in prospect in August this year were 16,300. Between March 1971 and March 1972 the number of employees in employment fell by 1,000. I have every confidence that employment in the Principality will prosper in the climate of economic expansion and European participation.

It is difficult to see on what basis the Secretary of State has any confidence in the future prospects, especially as he cannot give any firm estimates of the years ahead. What happened, for example, when he heard that 4,500 jobs would be lost in Ebbw Vale and what action has he taken since then to increase the possibility of job opportunities to make up the losses in the steel and other industries? Is not this a case of the Secretary of State whistling in the dark about future employment prospects in Wales?

As to future prospects, the hon. Gentleman will know that there have been heartening successes recently to indicate the effects of the Government's policy. To take one example only, there was the announcement of a new £20 million rolling mill for Alcoa Manufacturing in Waunarlwydd. The hon. Gentleman can vouch for the success of the Government policies in his constituency. There are well over 1,000 jobs likely to arise in the Merthyr area, and unemployment has declined from 6·3 per cent. to 4·7 per cent. in the past three months. This is clear evidence of the success of our policies.

While not dissenting from the importance of and the concern about these matters, may I ask my right hon. and learned Friend to accept that the recent fall in unemployment in Wales and in Merthyr especially is a considerable encouragement to right hon. and hon. Members on both sides of the House?

Of course it is. It always concerns me that right hon. and hon. Gentlemen on the Opposition side do not show a certain amount of pleasure at the figures when they show a decline. It is relevant to point out that the seasonably adjusted rate for November is the lowest since June 1971.

In view of that astounding answer, may I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether he is not aware that there are now 12,000 totally unemployed in Monmouthshire, a figure which represents a 6 per cent. increase in 12 months and a 35 per cent. escalation since 1970? Is not the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware further that there has been a drop of 66 per cent. in the number of vacancies in Monmouthshire? What action are he and his Government taking to bring new jobs to areas which are becoming desolated?

I am aware that there is an encouraging fall in the levels of unemployment. The further fall this month comes at a time when seasonal factors, on the evidence of past years, led us to expect an increase. There has been a considerable rise in the number of inquiries and visits, and vacancies in Wales are about 25 per cent. higher than they were a year ago.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will ask the Welsh Council to examine employment prospects in the Brynmawr area of Breconshire.

I am already keeping the situation in this area under careful review, and I see no need for a further study at present.

Every Christmas we seem to have an announcement of gloom in this area. Last year we had the announcement of closure by RCA in Brynmawr, and now we have the BSC plans for Ebbw Vale. Will the Secretary of State go to Brynmawr and tell the people there that things are getting better, as he tries to tell us in the House, and will he reassure them that the prospect is not as bad as they tend to think it is?

There are at least some 600 jobs in prospect in the travel-to-work area and two advance factories are being built, one in Ebbw Vale and one at New Tredegar. The Question relates to the study, and Brynmawr is part of the area covered by the study referred to in Question No. 26.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what reliance will be placed by him in future upon advice on health questions from the Welsh Council.

I will continue to give very careful consideration to the views which the council may wish to express on health matters.

In essence, that is a repetition of what the right hon. and learned Gentleman said in his White Paper. Will he be frank and tell us that he has never placed any reliance on the Welsh Council for strategic advice on health matters because hitherto he has never had any such advice?

I am sure the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that I am always frank with the House. As to his suggestion that I have never had any strategic advice from the Welsh Council, that is not right. I have not had a report from the Welsh Council but I am continually having formal and informal contacts with the council on various matters, including health. I look to the council for advice especially on the social and economic aspects of health policy.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the average percentage increase of farm rents in Wales in the past 12 months.

Information for the 12 months ending mid-October 1972 is now being obtained from the annual farm rent inquiry conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The results will be published in April 1973.

In view of the Government's attitude towards inflation, does not the hon. Gentleman consider that any increase in farm rents should be investigated immediately? Is he aware that Woosnam and Tyler, agents in my constituency, wrote in July to certain farmers asking for a 75 per cent. increase in rents and that they have now written to say that in view of the situation in general concerning prices and interest rates, those farmers should ignore that increase because it is unrealistic in the present situation? Will the hon. Gentleman act swiftly to investigate the situation, as his Government did with regard to agricultural workers' wages?

These are two totally different matters. The rise in agricultural rents in 1967–68 was 6·3 per cent. In 1970–71 they rose by 5·8 per cent. Where a farm is let to a sitting tenant the rent can be increased only by agreement between the landlord and the tenant, and in the event of a dispute there is a statutory provision for settlement by arbitration, as the hon. Gentleman is aware.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he received the report of the Bowen Committee on Road Signs.

On 30th June 1972.

Does not the Secretary of State agree that it is deplorable that the Government and the Welsh Office should have kept this report in the dark for five or six months, contrary to their pledge about open government? There is a minority report. Is it not important, therefore, that the whole of Wales should know what the report contains before any announcement is made? When will that announcement be made?

I shall publish the Bowen Committee's report on bilingual traffic signs this week, stating the Government's future policy with regard to bilingual traffic signs. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will not expect me to comment in advance of publication of that report.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman assure us that there will be no future renumbering of routes without bilingual signs accompanying them?

If I had been in a position to answer Question No. 5 when it was called, I would have told the hon. and learned Gentleman that I was afraid I could make no comment on the provision of bilingual signs on any road in Wales in advance of the report and the Government's announcement of their intentions in regard to the report.

Does the Secretary of State agree that he has shown scant consideration for the House since we will not be given any opportunity of making representations to him on the report before his decision is announced?

When the hon. Gentleman hears what I have to say about the report, he will consider that what he has said is not right.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will seek powers to reimburse Welsh secondary school pupils the expenses they incur as a result of travelling to university interviews.

Local education authorities already have the necessary powers to reimburse expenses, at their discretion, in cases of hardship.

I am grateful to the right hon. and learned Gentleman for that reply. Is he aware that many Welsh schoolchildren have to travel to three or four universities and that this places a considerable burden upon the finances of poorer families and also restricts the children's choice of university? Will he make local authorities more aware of this facility and advise parents of these opportunities to get reimbursement?

I am aware that the cumulative cost to parents may be considerable when pupils attend a series of interviews, but I am satisfied that local education authorities have the power to assist in necessitous cases. The fact that the hon. Gentleman has asked this Question will serve to remind local authorities of the existence of this facility.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how much money has been spent in Wales on Operation Eyesore.

Information on how much has actually been spent is not available. However, schemes to the value of £3·1 million have been approved and grants totalling £2·6 million authorised.

Is the Minister aware that most hon. Members welcome this scheme but that there is increasing danger that the massive clean-up envisaged by this operation could grind to a halt through lack of funds? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Glamorgan has £100,000 worth of such schemes in the pipeline but has run out of funds? Will he consider making extra funds available and extending the period in which funds will be made available?

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising this matter. The progress of the scheme reflects a great deal of credit on Government policies in this direction. The scheme, which was conceived to make a quick impact, has been an outstanding success. I shall consider the representations that have been made that the scheme should be extended.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to extend the period for Operation Eyesore beyond the present terminal date of June 1973.

I recognise that because of its success many local authorities in Wales wish to see this scheme extended. I shall consider these representations; but I cannot go beyond that now.

I thank my hon. Friend for his reply because it holds out some hope. Is he aware that sympathetic reconsideration of this matter will enable this imaginative scheme to achieve its full potential?

Yes. The whole point of putting a terminal date on the scheme was to encourage rapid action. In the Cardiff City Council area, 34 schemes costing £84,000 have been approved with the grant of £63,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to ensure the early provision at Llandough Hospital, Penarth, Glamorgan, of a full range of out-patients' services, and an accident unit, in order to match the needs of the steadily increasing populations of Barry, Penarth, Sully, Wenvoe, Dinas-Powis, Rhoose and Llantwit-Major and the adjacent part of the Vale of Glamorgan.

No, Sir. These facilities are currently provided through the accident unit at Cardiff Royal Infirmary and the out-patient clinics at the Amy Evans Hospital. It is too early to forecast the development of full outpatient facilities at Llandough.

Is my hon. Friend aware that a somewhat alarming situation has arisen and that administrators, nurses and others connected with the Llandough, Sully and other hospitals in the area have expressed deep concern and alarm to me at the fact that the over-spending on the University Hospital of Wales has been used as an excuse to delay essential modernisation and current expenditure in the hospitals at Llandough and Sully?

I cannot accept what my hon. Friend says. I understand that the hospital board is pressing on with its programmes as best it may.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the future of the Aberdare General Hospital and the Mountain Ash General Hospital.

In the light of the building of phase 1 of the Gurnos District Hospital planned to be finished in 1975, the Welsh Hospital Board is at present consulting locally on the future organisation of hospitals in the Merthyr and Aberdare Hospital Management Committee area.

Is the Minister of State aware of the very serious concern of my constituents about the future of these two hospitals? Will he do all he can to ensure that these hospitals are retained in view of their excellent service over many years and, which is equally important, in view of the financial and topographical difficulties of travelling miles to another hospital in an entirely different valley?

I understand the concern that the hon. Gentleman expresses. The hospital board has lately produced a pamphlet explaining its intentions. The future of these hospitals will be determined only after the fullest public consultation.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the British Transport Docks Board about the future prospects of the South Wales ports.

My officials are in close touch with the port director and his staff, and I am kept fully informed of all developments.

Does the Secretary of State appreciate that the election gimmick of the Conservative Party in authorising the port of Bristol's expansion scheme is already doing serious harm to South Wales ports because despite the promises given in the course of the passage of the legislation, Bristol has been continuously poaching South Wales trade? What is the Secretary of State doing about this? Is not the time opportune for a major port development in South Wales? The obvious project seems to be a new iron ore terminal to serve the Spencer works.

The reasons for approving the Bristol West project were fully explained in the House at the time, and the British Transport Docks Board saw no reason to object. The South Wales ports are continuing to operate profitably and I have every confidence that they will continue to do so. I am aware of competition from Bristol, but I have no cause to fear that it will be harmful to the future prospects of the South Wales ports.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend explain why the hon. Member for Newport (Mr. Roy Hughes) is always bothering about this matter although very few hon. Members opposite bothered to attend the House to oppose the Bristol Corporation Bill—[Interruption.]

Order. This Question deals with the future.

Very few hon. Members on the Opposition side bothered to vote against the Bill, although I was here and voted against it.

My hon. Friend takes a very keen interest in matters relating to South Wales ports, in particular to his own port of Barry. For instance, I know he was closely in touch with the progress of the recent negotiations with Geest-Industries in respect of the banana trade at Barry. I am pleased that this trade seems likely to continue there. My hon. Friend should properly direct his question about the attitude of hon. Members opposite to hon. Members opposite.

As the hon. Member for Barry (Mr. Gower) spoke strongly in favour of the South Wales scheme—

I voted against it.

spoke in favour of it in Welsh Grand Committee, and as the Secretary of State carries a very great responsibility for the South Wales ports, may I ask whether the Secretary of State is aware that the Bristol Private Bill, which was given Government support, and therefore his support, is threatening the trade of South Wales? It already threatens Newport. It threatened Barry. Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that it was only a very clever piece of commercial enterprise by the South Wales Docks Board that saved the trade at Barry and had nothing to do with the hon. Member for Barry?

It should be remembered that the British Transport Docks Board saw no reason to object to the Private Bill for the Bristol West dock project. I am satisfied that Newport will prosper, and that is the reason for the dock access road which will be in the course of being built next year.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will now make available to hon. Members representing Welsh constituencies a report based on information obtained for him by officials of the Welsh Office who have visited the European Economic Community Commission in Brussels, on the effects on Wales of Market entry.

These are the normal and continuing exchanges between my officials and their European colleagues, and I do not think it appropriate to publish reports on them.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that that is a most alarming statement of incompetency from a Minister of the Crown, coming as it does within a few weeks of our entry? Will he inform Wales of that which is headlined in The Guardian business section this morning, namely the single railway outline plans at present before the European Commission? Will he say whether these planning proposals will provide Wales with new rail networks and will he state the threat that these networks will pose to Welsh people? He must know about this. He will have been asked for his opinion on co-ordination. What did he say, when did he say it and to whom?

That is another question, and if the hon. Gentleman will put it down to the appropriate Minister I am sure that it will be answered.

But the right hon. and learned Gentleman is the Secretary of State.

The hon. Gentleman said it was alarming that I was unable to tell him about the views expressed by my officials. It is a cardinal principle of Government administration that advice and judgment expressed by officials to Ministers are confidential. What I can say is that everything I hear makes me increasingly certain that Wales will benefit from membership of the Community.

Since the right hon. and learned Gentleman tells the House and Wales that we shall benefit from entry, has he not a clear duty to put this in the form of a White Paper or a Green Paper so that we may consider it?

My duty is to see that the interests of Wales are taken into account in all the activity which is now going on, and that I will certainly do. What the hon. Gentleman must appreciate is that we are going into Europe on 1st January. With respect, it is about time that the hon. Member and certain of his hon. Friends allowed their creaking bones to get into motion and move into the last quarter of the twentieth century.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what part the Welsh Office intends to take in the official celebrations in connection with Great Britain's entry into the Common Market.

The Welsh Office rôle is participating in the work of Lord Mancroft's Committee, liaising with other bodies and encouraging local initiatives in Wales.

Does the Secretary of State appreciate that there is a singular lack of enthusiasm in Wales for entry, and that in any event this latter-day little saturnalia would be more acceptable to the Welsh people if the Secretary of State were able to spell out one specific concession which Wales has had from the Commissioners in Brussels?

I am rather glad to find that there is quite a lot of enthusiasm for celebrating this event. Those people in Wales who are not politically motivated think of this as a new prospect for Britain in which, besides the enjoyment of events at the beginning of next year, there will be the prospects of advancement in which we can all happily share.

In view of the right hon. and learned Gentleman's answer to my Question last week—that the Welsh Office money spent on the projected Fanfare for Europe will come out of the Welsh Office Vote—can he say which Department will have less money to spend this year as a consequence?

I do not expect that the small amount of money spent will make any difference to my overall budget during the year.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the sums likely to accrue to Wales from the projected regional budget of the European Economic Community.

Decisions relating to the Regional Development Fund will be taken by the European Community as a whole between now and the end of 1973. In advance of these decisions it is not possible to make any estimates of the size or distribution of the fund.

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman's answer mean that the euphoria so sedulously created by newspapers after the summit meeting is so much eyewash? Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that there is no fund in existence, that no Minister is at present available and that Wales is highly unlikely to receive any tangible benefit from this at all?

I am surprised that the hon. Gentleman is under that impression. I think the report makes it perfectly clear that the size of the fund will be a matter for the Community to decide next year. The United Kingdom will be very much involved in the discussions leading to the decision, and the method of operating the fund will also be settled between now and the end of the year.

How can the Labour Party hope to exercise influence on increasing the size of the regional aid programme if they are not going to be present?

My hon. Friend has asked a very pertinent question. The Community budget is determined by the Council of Ministers after consultation with the European Parliament. Hon. Members opposite who are interested in advancing the cause of the regional fund may wish to put forwards their names for the European Parliament.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that he is talking a lot of poppycock? Is he not aware that the Commission will decide and the European Assembly, which is not a Parliament, will have no more influence on this budget than will the hon. Member for Barry (Mr. Gower)—and that is not saying much?

The right hon. Gentleman is wrong. It will not be the Commission which will decide. It will be the Council of Ministers who will decide and, as I have said, they will decide after consultation with the European Parliament.

But since it will be a little time before a decision is taken, is it not imperative meanwhile that all industry which can be encouraged to come to Wales is given that encouragement? In the circumstances, how does the Secretary of State justify refusing, as he did earlier today, to publish apparently objective reports which he claims to have in his Department which reflect favourably on the Welsh economic environment? How does he claim that as fulfilment of his duty to the people of Wales?

Industry will be encouraged, and is showing increasing signs of being encouraged, to come to Wales under the Industry Act and the powers therein passed by the House not long ago.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what special arrangements he has set in motion to prepare Wales for the coming exploration for oil and gas in the Celtic Sea.

My officials have, at my request, already had wide ranging discussions with local authorities and other interested parties. I intend these discussions to continue and develop.

While welcoming my right hon. and learned Friend's statement, may I ask whether he is aware that within the last few days a CBI report has joined me in urging the Welsh Office to form a special committee to oversee all matters of oil exploration in the Celtic Sea?

Yes, I have received a copy of the report which is published today. It is a helpful contribution to an understanding of the opportunities and difficulties involved in oil and gas exploration. It is at the moment too early to think of creating a standing committee on the lines of the Scottish model suggested by the CBI. Officials of my Department have already visited Scotland to study the Scottish experience. I shall keep the matter under review and I certainly do not rule it out.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied that there are firms in Wales which are capable, if necessary, of manufacturing oil rigs and ancillary equipment?

I should like to think that that is so, but this is a matter on which I would not like to give a definitive answer without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the estimated budget for derelict land reclamation in Wales for the financial year 1973–74; and whether he will make a statement.

I expect that expenditure by local authorities in 1973–74 will be of the order of £2·4 million. This will be more than twice as much as the annual expenditure in 1969–70 and 1970–71.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether this increase is more than the 10 per cent. which it is rumoured will be the only increase in the coming year's budget? Does he realise that the cost of these schemes is growing considerably? We have done the easy ones and now it will become more expensive. As we do not want to lose momentum in land reclamation, will the hon. Gentleman agree that we shall have all the money that is needed to finance the local authority land reclamation scheme as requested?

I agree that that is highly important, and I am glad that the hon. Gentleman joins me in congratulating the local authorities and the derelict land unit of the Welsh Office on what they are doing under the present Government's policy. I do not know where the hon. Gentleman has got his rumour from. He would do well to wait for the meeting which is taking place today between the Monmouthshire Joint Committee and the officials of my Department.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider giving a 100 per cent. grant in aid to that which is in the nature of a works project in the Welsh Office, namely the Lower Swansea Valley project, involving 1,300 acres, all in my constituency, which is long overdue for rehabilitation and for a 100 per cent. grant?

I can well remember visiting the Lower Swansea Valley as the first visit that I undertook as a Minister in this sphere. Although I cannot promise a 100 per cent grant, the hon. Gentleman will be aware of the very high grant that comes from Government aid.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the progress made in the planning preparations for the major trunk road schemes in Carmarthenshire; and if he will make a statement.

Planning of the eight major trunk road schemes in the county is proceeding as quickly as possible.

The right hon. and learned Gentleman will realise that the people of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire are looking forward to the day when the plans become reality. Will he reiterate and re-emphasise the clear promise given to the people of Carmarthenshire that the Pontardulais bypass, the Carmarthen bypass and the St. Clares bypass will be ready by 1976?

Progress is being made, and will continue to be made, as quickly as the preparatory and statutory processes allow.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend take note of the recommendation in the report published by the CBI this morning that the M4 should be continued all the way to Milford?

I certainly take note of that, and I fully appreciate the value of good communications to the future prosperity of South-West Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many improvement grants at the 75 per cent. rate have been made in Wales since this rate was introduced.

Up to 30th September, 1972, 20,952.

We all welcome the encouraging figures for home improvement in Wales, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that many local authorities and builders are concerned that the introduction of value added tax will seriously handicap home improvements? Will he consider consulting the Chancellor of the Exchequer with a view to exempting house improvement grants from VAT?

As the hon. Gentleman understands, the value added tax is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor, who I am sure will note what he says. I can only repeat that I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving greater publicity to the success of this aspect of the Government's policy.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will expedite his plans for the provision of a bypass near St. Nicholas on the main Cardiff to Swansea Road, A48.

The extension of the M4 motorway across South Wales, to which I am giving priority, will have the effect of removing much of the traffic from the A48 road which now passes through St. Nicholas.

I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for that reply and for the improvements which have been introduced in traffic arrangements at St. Nicholas, but I wonder whether he is aware that some of the growth of traffic is due to the huge volume of commuters who now go from the Cowbridge and Bridgend areas regularly into Cardiff. Will he take that factor into account too?

Yes, Sir, I shall take that into account, and I have every sympathy with the people who live in St. Nicholas because the volume of traffic can be extremely irritating. I am well aware of that, but I am satisfied that my proposals for extending the M4 offer the quickest and best solution to the present traffic problems of the village.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to publish a report on the future development of the Heads of the Valleys area.

A study of the Heads of the Valleys area is being undertaken by my Department in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. My officials are at present awaiting the local authorities' comments on a draft of this study.

There is a desperate situation now in the Heads of the Valley area, with redundancies first in ICI Fibres and now in prospect at Ebbw Vale. To adopt his own phrase, will the Secretary of State shake his bones and tell us what new policies the Government have to offer and exactly what action they will take to solve the problem in the Heads of the Valley? Further, will he acknowledge that it is now social and economic madness to go ahead with the £260 million new town at Llantrisant, and will he abandon that folly at once?

The Question relates to the Heads of the Valley study. I am anxious to see the report finalised. At the same time, I understand the need for local authorities to give the matter careful consideration. There is great merit in Government Departments and local authorities getting together to consider the problems of an area such as this and to reach an agreed assessment of its present situation and its prospects. As for the Llantrisant new town proposals, I am at present awaiting the inspector's report and I cannot comment further on that question now.

Will the Secretary of State take it, despite his cheap accusations earlier today, that it gives no pleasure to anyone in the Heads of the Valley area to refer to the high level of unemployment from which we are suffering, and that we reject utterly the complacent attitude about the state of unemployment which he has exhibited? Does he not realise that, when an announcement is made like that of the British Steel Corporation regarding Ebbw Vale, a cold shiver is sent through the hearts of everyone in the valleys who may be affected? Will the Secretary of State now give urgent consideration to the possibility of establishing a Heads of the Valley development authority to give real co-ordination to the activities of all the authorities concerned?

I think one should wait to see what the report brings forward first. This matter was raised when I saw the local authorities and agreed that we should have the study. I am fully aware of the problems of the valleys and I am extremely anxious that their difficulties should be removed. But what concerns me also is that when there is any news which is of benefit and which gives pleasure to people in the valleys, hon. Members opposite—I should have thought that they would be the first to do it—should welcome it and not try to give a depressing picture all the time.

We need no lecturing from the Secretary of State about the valley communities. Does he realise that our concern about the high level of unemployment in the Heads of the Valleys and in the valleys in general is the cause of our repeated protestations? Since he has this afternoon four times referred to what his officials are doing, and since we are unable to question them but must question him, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman confine his answers to what he is doing so that we may cross-examine him?

The Question was about a study of the Heads of the Valleys area. It was agreed when I met the local authorities concerned that my officials and officials of the local authorities should get together in order to produce a report, and that is being done.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the expected demands on Welsh valleys for water resources purposes during the next 10 years.

The Water Resources Board in its report "Water Resources in Wales and the Midlands" outlined the various options for meeting the expected demands for water likely to arise over the next 10 years. A reservoir is to be constructed on the Afon Brenig further to regulate the flow of the Dee. Further regulation of the flow of the Severn will be required and alternatives are now being examined.

Does the Secretary of State realise that this is a most emotive issue in Wales and has been for a decade? As the Water Resources Board says that it does not want to submerge any other valley if its plans for enlarging existing reservoirs go forward without hitch, cannot the Secretary of State reassure those who have lived in constant anxiety lest their valley be taken from them that it is extremely unlikely that that will happen?

I agree that it is an emotive issue, and I believe that ever since I became Secretary of State I have shown my understanding of that in the way I have dealt with the problems which have arisen. But I cannot give an unqualified assurance that no additional reservoir will be required, though we all hope that needs can be met by the enlargement of the existing ones.