asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will seek to ascertain how many schemes reorganising secondary education in Wales introduced after the summer holidays have resulted in increases of school bus fares being met by parents; and if he will make a statement.

No, Sir. These are matters for the local education authority concerned.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that in my constituency, following the reorganisation of secondary education in the Wrexham area and the introduction of the new system of the sixth-form college, some parents are having to find an appreciable sum of money in addition to that which they have had to find to pay bus fares to Wrexham? Next year one parent in particular, who will then have three children at school in Wrexham, will be obliged to find an additional sum of £3 per week from her housekeeping money. Does not the Secretary of State think that this is unreasonable, that the three-mile limit arrangement should be reviewed and certainly that it is unreasonable to expect children to walk nearly three miles to school in all weathers unless parents are obliged to find the extra money?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the Education Act 1944 lays down the statutory responsibility of local education authorities for school transport and allows them the necessary discretionary powers to provide transport for those who live within the statutory walking distance. I have no power to intervene provided the education authorities are complying with the statutory requirements.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend tell us whether any thought is being given to the possible reduction of this statutory distance? Three miles seems a very long way.

The whole question of school transport in England and Wales is being considered by a working party which has been set up by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science and myself. The terms of reference of the working party are to review the present arrangements including the existing law affecting the provision of school transport and to report on any changes which might be needed. The Welsh Joint Education Committee is represented.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with representatives of Common Market firms who have indicated to him their intention to set up manufacturing prccesses in Wales.

Consultations with European firms are undertaken by officials of the Department of Trade and Industry, as well as by the Development Corporation for Wales. I shall participate when it is appropriate for me to do so.

What a confession of failure—that the Minister will "participate". How many German and Swiss firms are commencing business in Wales as a result of discussions they have had with the Development Corporation and with Welsh firms, bearing in mind that 80 per cent. of Welsh firms employ fewer than 100 people? How many jobs will materialise as a result of the discussions which have taken place? Will the European Economic Community rules apply in the inhibiting competition sense to the 18 applications made by Welsh firms under the Industry Act?

The Development Corporation recently announced that 27 German and Swiss firms are considering manufacturing arrangements in Wales as a result of its promotions in South Germany and Switzerland this autumn. I visited Zurich in connection with the corporation's campaign. I think the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that this shows that the Development Corporation is doing very well.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received about the new school building programme in Monmouthshire; and if he will make a statement.

My hon. Friend the Member for Monmouth (Mr. John Stradling Thomas) and the hon. Members for Newport (Mr. Roy Hughes), Bedwellty (Mr. Kinnock) and Pontypool (Mr. Abse) have written to me recently about cost limits and their possible effects on the authority's major school building programme. If the authority can satisfy me that everything possible has been done to keep projects within the cost limits I am prepared to consider exceptionally any difficulties that may arise. These are complicated matters and I shall of course be replying to hon. Members in due course.

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman appreciate that the Government have another remarkable achievement to their credit in that they have created a shortage of building trade workers in an area of heavy unemployment and that ultimately the whole school building programme in Monmouthshire will be in jeopardy? Will he therefore, as a matter of urgency, look into the question of cost limits and also the question of training facilities in Monmouthshire, including the provision of a new training centre at Newport?

It is true that for various reasons there is a shortage of building workers. There is a greatly added demand for building at present. As regards training, colleges of further education in Monmouthshire and adjoining authorities offer an extensive range of courses for people employed in the building industry.

May I suggest to the right hon. and learned Gentleman that one way in which he can immediately accommodate Monmouthshire's demands and secure an increase in educational provision is by increasing his allocation of nursery schools from the four that he allowed Monmouthshire in response to its demand for 32?

I think the hon. Gentleman knows that there is a later Question on the Order Paper on precisely that subject.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say how long it will take him to make a decision on the upper cost level, as it is this that is handicapping authorities in Monmouthshire?

The right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the question of cost limits is not a matter entirely for me. Cost limits were increased by 13 per cent. in April 1971 and by a further 15 per cent. in April 1972. The matter is always under review.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many nursery places will be made available by 1976 to children in Wales below five years of age under the proposals contained in the Government White Paper, Cmnd. 5174.

I propose to invite local education authorities early in the New Year to submit their bids for the nursery programme announced in the White Paper. The number of places to be programmed by 1976 will be decided after their proposals have been studied.

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the far-reaching proposals—even if unfortunately not yet very detailed—which are outlined in the White Paper have given great satisfaction to the many people who have for a long time been pressing for an extension of nursery education?

I agree with my hon. Friend. The response that I have had from people who are interested in this branch of the education service has been considerable. The White Paper announcement, particularly on nursery education, has been extremely well received.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that many areas such as Rhondda traditionally send their children to school at the age of three? What we do not want from the right hon. and learned Gentleman is any attempt to restrict Rhondda from doing that in accordance with the White Paper.

I think that over the last 2½ years we have had a very good record in the provision of service for children under five in Wales in particular under the urban aid programme. Local education authorities are now free to go ahead and provide nursery education from their own resources. This may result in the expansion of nursery provision before additional new buildings become available.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with progress made in providing forms and explanatory material in the Welsh language by Government Departments in Wales in accordance with the principle of equal validity as recommended in the Hughes Parry Report and embodied in the Welsh Language Act 1967; and if he will make a statement.

The number of Welsh or bilingual versions of official forms is now 351, compared with 246 in June 1970. Informative material in Welsh issued by Government Departments is also increasing steadily. I am satisfied that the Government's policy in this field is progressive; and it will continue so.

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman, like his predecessors in office, conduct periodic progress examinations with other Government Departments involved in the programme of bilingualism? In particular, will he look at the position in the Inland Revenue Department, where so far very little, or very inadequate, informative and explanatory material in the Welsh language has been issued with regard to the new income tax system that is due to come into force next April?

I shall certainly look into that matter and I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for bringing it to my attention. I know that an explanatory note on value added tax has just been published in Welsh.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to publicise the merits and attractions of Welsh native breeds of animals for export for breeding purposes.

Publicity for individual breeds is a matter for the breed societies and breeders concerned. I hope that they will make full use of the facilities available from the Government's export services and from export promotion organisations.

Does the hon. Gentleman accept that over the years there has been a good deal of discontent among breeders in Wales at the Livestock Export Council not having enthusiastically supported Welsh breeds? As this could be an important factor in the agricultural life of the Principality in the future, will the hon. Gentleman see to it that the council shows more enthusiasm for Welsh breeds than it has done in the past?

The hon. and learned Gentleman will realise that in the past I was Chairman of the Livestock Export Council and I therefore have some knowledge of this matter. Knowing that the hon. and learned Gentleman has great knowledge of the Welsh Black Cattle Society, last night as a matter of urgency, I spoke to the president of the society and he told me that the exports of Welsh black cattle are very encouraging indeed.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what special emergency measures he will take to alleviate traffic congestion on the Queensferry bypass and the surrounding area.

I have nothing further to add to the answer given to the hon. Member on 10th April.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that traffic conditions at Queens-ferry roundabout are a sorry and hair-raising shambles and are impeding industrial development? Will he sanction the immediate erection of a flyover at the Queensferry roundabout and thus help the steel and Vauxhall car workers?

I cannot accept the hon. Gentleman's winding up comment. I am aware that there has been congestion in the area to which the Question refers, and the Department has been concerned about it for some time. Although the construction of a temporary flyover could afford some relief, it would take some time to design and erect and would be likely to cause additional complications on this restricted site when the improved junction comes to be built.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will initiate a study into the employment aspects of Government contracts in Wales.

Policy on Government contracts is kept under regular review.

That may reassure the right hon. and learned Gentleman but it reassures no one else. Is he aware that Government contracts placed in Wales are serviced by a contractor bringing in his own labour from other parts of the country, which is no good for unemployed building workers in Wales? This practice and the policy in other industry such as opencast mining are in urgent need of review because the employment feedback is not coming to Wales as it should.

I am aware that many people want contractors to employ more local people than they do, but the employment of local labour is a matter for the contractor and the client. The Government cannot intervene. The main aim must be to complete the contract as economically and efficiently as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what consideration he has given to establishing a central information service for Welsh industrialists about the opportunities arising from Celtic sea oil exploration.

I am arranging for this suggestion to be looked at in more detail by my Department and the other organisations which might be concerned.

I am grateful to my right hon. and learned Friend for that reply. Is he aware that one of the most important services that the Government can perform for Wales is to identify the immense opportunities that will arise for Welsh industrialists as a result of oil exploration? Is he further aware that Scottish experience shows that the Government have a key role to play in this direction?

I was very interested to see the recommendation in the recent CBI report on the opportunities for Welsh industry. I hope that it will be possible to have the CBI ideas discussed in more detail very shortly. The report is a helpful contribution to thinking on the prospects for Welsh industry.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the future of Swansea's Singleton Hospital.

The Welsh Hospital Board has just issued a consultation document on its proposals for the hospital service in the Swansea area. It is therefore not appropriate for me to make a statement at this stage.

Does the Minister realise that it is felt in Swansea to be completely unsatisfactory that decisions about the eventual size of the Singleton Hospital are dependent on a decision that must he taken about the medical school in Swansea, as that decision apparently will not he made for a long time? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the city council has made it absolutely clear that it is willing to provide land for such a school but that it has been unable to obtain guidance from the board? Will he ensure that such guidance is given as to whether the retention in use of Sketty Lane will or will not stop the eventual provision of a medical school in Swansea?

I am aware of the problem. I visited Swansea about two years ago and discussed with representatives of the council the question of the medical school. Although I understand the hon. Gentleman's concern, it is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science, and any question about Sketty Lane must be a matter for the council.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been made in the completion of the Cwmgorse advance factory in the Pontardawe district of the Gower constituency; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that negotiations for the allocation of this factory are at an advanced stage. I am hopeful of a successful outcome in the very near future.

I thank the right hon. and learned Gentleman for that helpful reply. Is he aware that the people of the area will receive this hopeful note with sonic satisfaction? They are people who have had more than their fair share of the social consequences of pit closures. Is he also aware that this could be a breakthrough from an employment point of view for this inland community and that it justifies the policy consistently advocated from the Opposition side of the House in favour of advance factories and investment grants? In view of the likely success of the negotiations, will the Secretary of State consider a further advance factory for this special development district, in accordance with the terms of the rolling programme for mining communities?

I certainly appreciate the importance to the area of an allocation of the factory to suitable industrialists. I pay tribute to the hon. Gentleman for his efforts to secure a tenant for the factory. As to a further advance factory, I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will keep it in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what liaison there is between his Department and others in the effort to secure a tenant for the Government-built factory at Penygroes, Caernarvonshire which has been empty for more than two years.

My Department has maintained the closest contact with the Department of Trade and Industry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is a most disappointing answer? Is he further aware that there is deep and increasing concern in Caernarvonshire about the continuing inability of the Welsh Office and related Departments to attract a suitable tenant for this factory, particularly in view of the excellent facilities which it has and the high class of local labour available? Is he aware of certain recent suggestions made locally about the possibility of using this factory to produce equipment and fittings for the proposed hydro-electric scheme at Dinorwic? Has any attention been given to this proposal by the Caernarvonshire County Council?

I would certainly agree with the right hon. Gentleman that it is extremely disappointing that a suitable tenant has not been found for this excellent factory. As he knows the Government have spent a considerable amount of money recently in modernising the factory. They have drawn it to the attention of industrialists, through the Department of Trade and Industry, on all suitable occasions. I am satisfied that every effort is being made to find a tenant for this factory. The right hon. Gentleman will appreciate the difficulties. I believe that the Caernarvonshire County Council proposes to send a deputation to discuss its suggestion with the Central Electricity Generating Board.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he intends to hold a separate public inquiry for each section of the proposed western extension of the M4.

Yes, Sir. I intend to hold separate inquiries into each section of the M4 wherever such inquiries are necessary.

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that there is public concern over the method by which public inquiries are undertaken on proposed motorway developments? One cause of concern is that when inquiries are set up in the way he intends to adopt for the M4, on a piecemeal basis, which may be suitable for the allocation of finance and may measure up to the construction resources available, they do not give the public the opportunity to participate, except in detail. There is growing concern that opportunities to raise the important aspects of planning, which are environmental, social and broadly economic, are denied the public at such inquiries.

I agree that there is concern, and for that reason I looked into the matter very carefully and considered whether it would be more advantageous to have a public inquiry involving sections of the road. But I am satisfied that by keeping each section reasonably short it is possible to consider line and side road orders together—a procedure which is generally welcomed in that it enables everyone concerned to see the full implication of each part of the proposed line. If we attempted a longer section, the length and complexity of the orders, schedules and maps would be virtually unmanageable at public inquiries and extremely confusing to members of the public, particularly those directly concerned.

Will the Secretary of State give a categorical assurance that the M4 will be completed by the end of 1976, as was programmed in June 1970?

The hon. Gentleman should know that it is impossible for me to give a categorical assurance. All I can say is that that is what is planned, and I have no reason to doubt that it will be effected by then. But various statutory procedures must be gone through. I cannot bulldoze the road through without regard to the interests of the public.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he proposes to hold a single public inquiry or more than one public inquiry in connection with the routeing of the remaining sections of the motorway M4 between Castleton and Chapel-Llanilltern; and if he will make a statement.

A public inquiry into my proposals for the section between Coryton and Capel Llanilltern is due to start on 23rd January 1973. A decision on the holding of a public inquiry into the Coryton/Castleton section will be taken after formal proposals have been published.

Despite my right hon. and learned Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, North (Mr. Michael Roberts), will he look at the matter again as the anxieties expressed by residents' associations and individual residents at Whitchurch, Rhiwbina, Lisvane and other places are based on a fear that if my right hon. and learned Friend makes a decision for one section, that will prevent his having a free choice in the other sections? In other words, by adopting a certain route through, say, Whitchurch, he will remove the possibility of an impartial judgment of the different routes in the other sections, so it seems to me—

Order. This is Question Time. The hon. Gentleman has put a point already.

In the light of what I have said, will my right hon. and learned Friend reconsider the matter?

As I said in answer to the previous Question, I have looked into the matter very carefully. I appreciate that the anxieties of which my hon. Friend speaks have been expressed. I have been very anxious to meet the concern that is undoubtedly felt, but in view of the complexity of having a public inquiry over a long line I am sure that the proper course, one that is in the interests of all the objectors, is to have inquiries on small sections. There is no objection to the raising of the wider strategy of the motorway at a public inquiry into any particular section.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he now intends to take to boost the level of council house building in Wales.

The new subsidy system concentrates resources on people and areas in need; special yardstick allowances were introduced last month; and the clearance of slums will, I hope, be speeded up as a result of the new special subsidy.

Is the Minister aware that 1972 will go down as the sorriest in council house building for many years and that the figures could be as low as any since the early 1960s? Is not the best thing to do to abolish the Housing Finance Act, which is creating great confusion and uncertainty, and establish a generous system for council house building in Wales?

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that there are other ways of building houses and that it is for the local authorities to determine their own needs. Officials of the Welsh Office will continue to give whatever help and encouragement is necessary.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that only local authorities build houses to rent and that many thousands of families in Wales are waiting for a house? In view of the disastrous house building figures so far this year, will the hon. Gentleman show a greater sense of urgency and look into the matter again?

I cannot agree with the right hon. Gentleman. He says that the house building figures are bad this year, but taken as a whole they are not bad.

We are talking about council house building.

That was not what the hon. Gentleman said. If the figures as a whole are coupled with the great success of improvement grants, it will be seen that the housing position in Wales is much better than Opposition Members try to make out.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the number of houses to be completed in the public sector in Wales in the whole of 1972.

Over 4,000.

Is the Minister of State aware from that answer that there is a real slump in council house building which, coupled with the unprecedented rise in house prices, means that many thousands of young families in Wales will be many years without a home of their own? Apart from words, what practical steps will the Government take?

The hon. Gentleman was present during a recent debate in the early hours of the morning when this subject was dealt with. The new housing subsidies replacing the old outdated and indiscriminate system will concentrate financial help where it is most needed.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has for attracting new industry to South-East Wales in the next five years.

The Government will use the full resources available for regional development, including the Industry Act, for this purpose.

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman realise that the attraction of new industry has become even more critical because of the threat that is poised over the steel industry in Wales? Which of the rumours circulating in yesterday's newspapers was true—the one to the effect that he and his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland were making a valiant fight to safeguard regional steel interests or the one to the effect that they had already lost? Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that as the report that give him the most credit was written by dear Miss Nora Beloff we attach the usual degree of authenticity to it?

The hon. Gentleman should not believe rumours which he reads in newspapers. No decision has yet been made by the Government on the proposals put forward by the British Steel Corporation.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware, as I am sure he must be, that the corporation's proposals in regard to Ebbw Vale are totally unacceptable to the people of Ebbw Vale—

Order. That does not arise out of this Question. It might arise out of a later Question.

I have a question which arises out of this Question, Mr Speaker. Has the Secretary of State been approached by the Rover Company about its proposed redundancies in Car diff during the next few months? Will he undertake to see the company and also representatives of the workers concerned, because this is another blow in addition to the one we fear in connection with East Moors?

I am aware that the Rover Company has announced that there will be added investment in Cardiff which will be an acceptable piece of news for one part of the company's factory. I am aware that there will be redundancies in another part of the factory involving white collar workers. My Department is in close touch with the Department of Trade and Industry about this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the average selling price of three-bedroom detached and three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows in Swansea in the years 1969, 1970, 1971 and to 31st October 1972, stating the increase in percentage terms for each of these periods.

Statistics are not kept on the basis of particular types of dwellings in specific towns.

Is the Minister of State aware that I do not think anyone tells him anything, that in Swansea increases in house prices are scandalous and that although they may be a speculator's dream they are a Welsh national scandal? Is the hon. Gentleman aware further that the Fair Trading Bill gives no protection against gazumping, which is morally indefensible but is legally permissible under the present Government and a practice which is responsible for snowballing house price increases? Lastly, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this factor causes great financial hardship and frustrates especially those who are about to set up house? Will he tell the Government to take their fingers out and get on with it and do something?

The way to keep house prices down is to build more houses. In Swansea 50 per cent. more houses were under construction in the first nine months of this year than in the same period in 1971. On the question of gazumping, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General gave to the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, North (Mr. McNamara) on 6th November.

Will my hon. Friend press local authorities throughout Wales to release land more quickly for housing development and to impose conditions that land released shall be used for building houses within a very limited time?

Certainly. The question of land in South-East Wales has been concerning my right hon. and learned Friend and myself. We take every opportunity of encouraging local authorities to release land wherever possible.

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

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

I am in close touch on all aspects of the Welsh steel industry.

Does the Secretary of State appreciate that there is now a chaotic situation in the steel industry in Monmouthshire and that a great fight will be made to keep Ebbw Vale as an integrated works? We hope that the right hon. and learned Gentleman will assist in this fight to the point of resignation. Will he bear in mind one key factor, namely, the nearness of iron ore supplies? Will he press on the British Steel Corporation the need to go ahead with the Uskmouth project to serve the steel industry in Monmouth?

I am fully aware of the concern which has been expressed in Wales about announcements which have been made by the corporation. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the proposals recently announced for Ebbw Vale largely reflect the corporation's announcement in March 1970 that it saw no long-term future for iron and steelmaking there and are confirmation of it.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the proposals made by the corporation for Ebbw Vale are totally unacceptable to the people of Ebbw Vale and that dis- cussions have been initiated to cover the whole matter between the works council and the corporation? Will he give an undertaking that the Government will give no sanction or approval to any of those proposals until the discussions have been fully completed?

I agree that great discussions are taking place. There are still many aspects of the corporation's proposals which have to be discussed, particularly the timing and the phasing of the proposed rundown. I have in hand a most urgent and detailed appraisal of the infra-structure needs of the area. There are to be talks later this year between representatives of all the Government Departments concerned in Wales and representatives of the Heads of the Valleys Standing Conference. My officials will be reporting the outcome to me. I look forward to further discussions as soon as possible.

Is the Cabinet split over the future of Shotton? Will the Secretary of State resign if he fails to protect steel-making at Shotton? Did he enjoy Lord Melchett walking over him last week?

The hon. Gentleman has frequently shown that he is totally unaware of what is going in Government and British Steel Corporation circles in respect of these proposals. The hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well that I am fully aware of all the points that have been made—effectively by some people—about Shotton's future.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend undertake not to be rushed into making public the Government's decision? Does he accept that it is generally appreciated that the Government have a much better understanding of the social implications involved in all this than the British Steel Corporation and that the longer the Government take to make up their minds, the better?

I am grateful to my hon. Friend. The proposals which have been put forward by the corporation are being most carefully studied by the Government. I realise that anxiety is felt in many parts of Wales. I agree with my hon. Friend that this is a decision which should not be rushed. It is a major economic and social question and hon. Members do Wales a disservice in pressing for decisions too urgently.

I appreciate that this is a matter that affects Wales deeply and that the Government are right to take all social considerations into account, as we have pressed them to do, particularly my hon. Friend the Member for Flint, East (Mr. Barry Jones), to whom the Secretary of State referred disparagingly. Is what the right hon. and learned Gentleman said the Government's way of telling us that we are not to have a statement on steel before Christmas?

I am obviously unable to say when an announcement will be made. I have made it my business to be fully in touch with all developments affecting the future of the Welsh steel industry. In my discussions I am taking fully into account the implications for employment in Wales and the social consequences of any major recession in the steel industry.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to encourage Government Departments and public authorities to move to Newtown, Montgomeryshire, to occupy the new offices now being built by the Mid-Wales Development Corporation.

I am fully aware of the importance to Newtown of securing tenants for the new offices and I have this very much in mind whenever Government Departments and public authorities require new accommodation.

Does that reply mean that the hon. Gentleman's Department will encourage Government Departments to move there, because it is important that a development such as Newtown should have a wide range of job opportunities? Is it not a desirable policy that wherever possible there should be centralisation of Government Departments?

If the hon. and learned Gentleman is asking me to give priority to Newtown I am afraid that would not be possible. Other towns have strong claims. I am sure he will share my pleasure that the tenders for the office block have recently been accepted and that work is expected to start early next year, for completion by the end of 1974.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will commission a study into the problems of long-term unemployment in Wales.

No Sir. Long-term unemployment is already the subject of close study and Government action in the form of a variety of types of assistance is already in train to solve the problems of unemployment generally.

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman realise that since October 1971 such long-term unemployment has increased in Wales by 50 per cent., certainly in my constituency? Besides talking about the need for close attention, which the Secretary of State regularly trots out, will he say when will be the time for action?

I am concerned about the rise in long-term unemployment in Pontypridd. This has been largely due in the past year to the redundancies arising from economic difficulties which Government policies are now putting right. As at July of this year the proportion of long-term unemployed in the travel-to-work area as a whole was not significantly greater than the national average. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that unemployment in the Pontypridd travel-to-work area has fallen from 6·9 per cent. to 5·3 per cent. over the past three months.

Will the Secretary of State accept that the continued delay in making a definitive statement about the steel industry increases the fear of long-term unemployment in every Welsh steel community? Will he also confirm that the discussions at the highly publicised secret meeting of Ministers with Lord Melchett were based on the nationalisation plan put forward by the corporation, the Government having rejected the corporation's original proposals to produce 42 million tons of steel by 1980? How would a return to that figure affect the long-term unemployment in Wales?

I appreciate that we should not delay for too long in making an announcement about the Government's decision on the corporation's proposals. It is important to remove the uncertainties. I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that the Government are anxious to reach a conclusion as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for improving the road between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock.

Five schemes for the improvement of sections of the road between St. Clears and Nash are included in the firm programme for commencement within the next two years. Three others for building dual carriageways for a total of 10 miles of the Carmarthen to St. Clears road, including the bypassing of Carmarthen, are in the preparation pool.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the road goes westward from St. Clears? Is he further aware that when the Minister for Industrial Development visited Pembrokeshire on Friday every industrialist agreed that this was the most important single step that could be taken by the Government to assist West Wales in gaining benefits from offshore oil exploration? Is he aware that it has been rendered even more important by the unsatisfactory state of a number of the bridges on the road?

I am aware of all those points. The Government have spent a considerable amount of money on the M4 in South Wales. We intend to press on as hard as we can in this direction.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many manufacturing jobs are in prospect in Wales; and how this compares with those available at 30th June, 1970.

There were 30,900 in July, 1970. A comparable current figure cannot be given because of changes in industrial development certificate procedures. The figure for August, 1972 was 16,300 and there are indications of a significant revival in industrial interest in recent months.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that, unacceptably high as the present level of unemployment in Wales is, the Government have succeeded in keeping the figure at these levels only by eating up the 30,000 to 40,000 jobs that were in the pipeline, without doing anything to replace them? Can he tell us what study is being undertaken within his Department of the effect of the abandonment of the regional employment premium, which is soon to come about, upon labour-intensive industries in Wales?

The number of jobs in the pipeline is measured by the number of industrial development certificates. For instance, one of the jobs in the pipeline in 1969 was the Alcoa proposals for the rolling mill, which was abandoned. That has now been revived because of Britain's entry into the European Commuinty and an upsurge in demand. It is not proposed that regional employment premium should stop immediately but that it should be phased out from 1974 onwards. It has yet to be decided what will take its place.

Is the Secretary of State aware that it was the Government's policy which delayed the Alcoa project by two years and that it is only now, when investment grants have been restored, that this proposal has gone ahead. Is he further aware that his failure to tell us how many jobs are in the pipeline is bound to cause further anxiety in Wales? The Government must have the statistics. Will the Secretary of State give the House the figure which the Welsh Office has in mind?

I am glad that the right hon. Gentleman has raised this matter because the 1969 Alcoa development was postponed indefinitely, as I understand it, due to the general economic climate here and abroad. Its reinstatement shows industry's confidence in the way the Government are putting the British economy right. I hope the right hon. Gentleman has noted that one of the principal reasons given by the firm is our forthcoming accession to the EEC.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for the future ownership and administration of the Glamorgan, Rhoose, airport; and if he will make a statement.

As I have previously told the House, at this stage this must be primarily a matter for discussion between the local authorities concerned, but I would welcome their views.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that whatever local authority or consortium of local authorities may own this expanding airport in future, the initial capital expenditure involved in its enlargement must constitute a considerable financial burden? As since the end of the last war Wales has had only a puny amount of expenditure on civil aviation compared with other parts of the United Kingdom, will my right hon. and learned Friend consider what extra help he can give to the maintenance and expansion of Rhoose airport?

Yes, certainly, this matter is being considered at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what measures his Department intends to take to provide adequate safeguards and protection for buyers of new houses in Wales.

The National House Builders Registration Council's scheme already provides a large measure of protection and the Defective Premises Act will come into force on 1st January 1974. The Law Commission is studying the problem of gazumping.

Is the Minister aware that those measures have totally failed to safeguard home buyers during the last two years and that the speculative processes have continued? Is he not aware, for example, that when a buyer signs a house-to-house contract he may find six or seven months later that the garage is non-existent or that a fitted kitchen turns out to be just a top sink unit? Will the Department do something about the way home buyers are so badly treated at the moment?

As I said on an earlier Question, the whole matter of gazumping was answered by my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney- General some time ago. It is certainly a difficult problem which the Law Commission has been studying.

But will the hon. Gentleman recognise that while the NHBRC's attempts are laudable they fall very far short of what is necessary in safeguarding the position for new home buyers? Is he aware that they do not cover the upkeep or condition of estates when they are left by developers and that constantly we have dirty, unsightly, unhealthy and dangerous estates throughout South Wales?

If the hon. Member has any particular problem he wants to draw to my attention, please let him do so. With regard to the general matter of the NHBRC, the council still believes that it is important that it should maintain its present character. Local authorities have been recommended to lend only on new houses covered by the scheme and the Building Societies Association has made a similar recommendation to its members.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what stage has been reached in the planning of the Tonyrefail bypass.

Glamorgan County Council, the highway authority, is carrying out preliminary survey work. My right hon. and learned Friend awaits its proposals.

Does not the Minister agree that this road would be of considerable advantage to the commuters who travel daily from Rhondda to Llantrisant and Cardiff and that it would be of tremendous advantage in attracting new industry to the whole area? Will he take steps to speed up the construction of this vital road?

I would not disagree with the hon. Member about the importance of the matter. I believe he wrote to the Welsh Office in December 1971 about it. All I would say is that it is a matter for the local authority concerned.

asked the Attorney General when he expects to receive the Law Commissioners' proposals with regard to chief rents or rent charges on freehold land.

The Law Commission expects to issue a further working paper on the subject before Easter. I do not yet know when the Commission will report.

I am obliged to the right hon. and learned Gentleman for that reply, but he will recall that he gave me the answer exactly a year ago that we would get the report this year. The law is notorious for its delays, but does not the Attorney-General realise that literally tens of thousands of people are anxiously awaiting this report? Will he please make sure that his fresh assurance about Easter will be kept?

As the hon. Gentleman will recollect, first a working paper on the subject was issued by the Law Commission in September 1969, and this is a second working paper. The hon. Member may recollect that proposals were spoken about in the House of Commons in August 1972. It is a very complex matter. I will certainly see that the hon. Member's comments are brought to the attention of the Law Commission.

asked the Attorney-General if he will introduce legislation to enable a substantial proportion of the capital of dormant funds under the control of the Supreme Court of England to be applied for national purposes.

Dormant funds are already applied for national purposes in that the income derived from them is surrendered to the Consolidated Fund.

Why does not the Attorney-General apply part of the corpus of the fund to national constructive purposes along the lines of the legistration introduced by the Irish Government which enabled the Abbey Theatre to be built? If the principle has already been conceded by using the interest, why cannot the corpus be used?

The hon. Member will appreciate that this is a surplus which is transferred to the National Debt Commissioners and is invested by them. Having regard to what the hon. Member says, I will certainly put the proposal to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Attorney-General if he will initiate legislation to extend legal aid to proceedings before rent assessment panels and rent tribunals.

This will be reconsidered in the light of the outcome of research which is now proceeding.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman give some indication as to when this research will be completed? Is he aware that there is tremendous homelessness existing in stress areas of inner London and that one of the ways at least of mitigating this situation would be through legal aid to grant representation before rent tribunals, thereby getting at the matter at source rather than waiting until the situation is too late?

The hon. Member will recollect that some time ago there were indications that legal aid might not be the most appropriate aid that was needed for this particular kind of tribunal. The Nuffield Foundation is doing the bulk of this research. I understand that it is sufficiently advanced that we may hope that by the summer we may get some advice from it.

Is not a general principle involved that where legal representation is permitted, failure to allow legal aid gives one party a distinct advantage in the proceedings? Will the Attorney-General look into this, more particularly in the context of industrial tribunals, where frequently far more complex cases occur than in the county courts and where the administration is often far more difficult for those appearing before those tribunals? Is he aware that legal aid would at least give the parties to those tribunals the equal right to a voice before them?

As I said, there was doubt about what was the most appropriate aid which could be given. It was for this reason that the Nuffield Foundation—as were two universities also—was engaged in the research. It is therefore sensible to await the outcome of the Nuffield Foundation recommendations.

asked the Attorney. General if he has received the report of the inquiry conducted by Lord Justice Edmund Davies on the workings of the Welsh Language Act 1967; and if he will make a statement.

My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has received a personal report from Lord Justice Edmund Davies following his informal inquiry into the working of the Welsh Language Act in the courts in Wales. My noble Friend is studying this report.

Is the Attorney-General aware that that answer will be received with satisfaction by many people in Wales? Does he not agree, however, that it would be sensible to publish the report so that an objective report of the situation can be provided for evidence for the courts in England. where, for example, in recent cases there have been such idiosyncratic happenings as sending batches of defendants collectively for mental reports because of their request to use their native language through an interpreter? That might be obviated

As the hon. Member appreciates, this is an informal report which the Lord Chancellor asked Lord Justice Edmund Davies to make. My noble Friend received it only in the last month. It is still under study and consideration.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will make a statement about his intention to insti- tute proceedings under the Official Secrets Act or the Theft Act, in connection with the leakage of confidential information regarding railway closures.

asked the Attorney-General what decision has now been taken by the Director of Public Prosecutions as a result of the police entry to the offices of the Railway Review.

The police investigations have not yet been completed. No decision can be taken about the possible institution of criminal proceedings until the Director of Public Prosecutions has received and considered the police report.

May I ask the Attorney-General when this monstrous and sinister witch-hunt of the Press is to end? Is he aware that there is a strong suspicion that a telephone call I made to the editor of the Railway Gazette on 1st December was tapped? Is he aware that the police have used blackmail in connection with questioning of the assistant editor of the Railway Gazette? Is he aware that many sections of the Press are afraid to comment because of possible proceedings under the Official Secrets Act? Can he not tell this House now whether the leak procedure is in process or not? Can he not tell this House now whether he intends to proceed under the Theft Act or the Official Secrets Act? Does he not think it is time that the Government came clean on this very dangerous, this very monstrous, threat to the freedom of the Press in this country?

The hon. Gentleman has made several dramatic statements. In fact the matter is as follows. There was an inquiry into the loss of a classified confidential document by a Department. The procedure is that the Director of Public Prosecutions is told and he calls for a police investigation. That police investigation is taking place. It would have been quite improper for the Department to have hidden the fact that a confidential document was missing. The House will recollect the interest which was shown in the missing documents at the time of the V & G inquiry. If, as a result of these inquiries, there is any evidence against any person, doubtless prosecution will be considered, but until the investigation has been completed it would be improper for me to say anything further.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman tell us why in one case the warning was under the Theft Act and in the other case under the Officials Secrets Act? Secondly, as there is still a little confusion, despite the clarification by the Prime Minister last week, will he say whether this is happening under the leak procedure and the follow-up to it or under the separate procedure referred to by the Prime Minister? Thirdly, recollecting the Prime Ministerial directive of 1964 that the telephones of Members of Parliament would not be tapped, will the Government give a similar directive with regard to tapping the telephones of the British Press?

I know nothing about the third matter, which is for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. In reply to the second question, when a classified confidential document is missing and the inquiries instituted by the Department are exhausted, the procedure is for the Director of Public Prosecutions to be informed. Having been informed of the position, he causes a police investigation to take place. That is what happened on this occasion. I understand that the search warrant was taken out by the police under the Theft Act.

Perhaps the right hon. and learned Gentleman may be a little more forthcoming about this when the decision of the DPP has been taken. Is he saying that this is consequential on the use of the leak procedure, of which the House was given details, or is it a separate procedure?

The leak procedure is carried out by the Department. If when the Department has concluded its inquiries it finds that there are further matters which it feels should be investigated, the matter is passed to the Director of Public Prosecutions who calls for a police investigation. I will bear in mind what the right hon. Gentleman has said about waiting until after the police investigation has been concluded, but I repeat that nobody is immune from investigation if the police feel that there is a proper matter to investigate.

In view of the disgracefully unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg leave to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment of the House.