Showing 1375 results

'Bill' [William Arnold], Secretary of the Welsh National Council of the Welsh National Temple of Peace and Health, Cathays Park, Cardiff. Thanks for the interest which Huw T. Edwards has taken in the pamphlet. He did not hear Huw T. Edwards's conversation with T. I. Ellis, but has been informed that he was helpful in his remarks and was complimentary to WA. Appreciates the points of criticism in his letter. When he drafted the pamphlet, he knew in his own mind exactly what he wanted to say. Knew, too, that he could not solve the problems of Government Administration in Wales. The important part is the reasons, some of them historical, which have led to the present position in Wales. The conclusions are not wholly negative, for he does argue that the Welsh Office should be developed as a centre of co-ordination, leading eventually to the appointment of a Secretary of State for Wales. He has also concluded that the continuation of the Advisory Council is important. But believes that the reconstituted Council should be more powerful in decision making. Argued this point in a memorandum which he sent to Blaise Gillie two years previously. It should tender advice on the functions and development of the Welsh Office. 'Without such a committee the government would have a free hand and we would be at the mercy of the bureaucrats'. Inevitably tension would result from clashes between the Consultative Committee and the Advisory Council. But it could pave the way to the appointment of a Secretary of State. Has concluded that what exists in Wales is a 'breadth of patriotism' rather than 'an aggressive nationalism'. After Huw T. Edwards had resigned, the writer was afraid that the Government would simply shelve this problem and that Wales would forget about it.

Billie Williams, 5 Church Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff. Greatly enjoyed Huw T. Edwards's 'characteristic picture of life' followed by How Green was my Valley. Reflects on the contents of the programme.

Blaise Gillie. Wales did better in the last Honours List than for some time, and he feels that this is probably attributable to the influence of the recipient's ministry. But there is still a long way to go until justice is done, and there are many worthy recipients who have been denied honours in the past. Makes seven recommendations for the New Years Honours list. May add one or two further names during the next month or so.

Blaise Gillie. When he saw the Minister in London early the previous month, he noted that the next Honours List (as it related to Wales) would be devoted to the Games and the Festival. Thinks that this is an excellent idea, although some deserving candidates who have already waited a long time will now have to wait a little longer. If the scope of the list is broadened somewhat, it really should include Kenneth Davies who is a worthy recipient of a knighthood; outlines his services. Makes a number of further suggestions and describes their careers and their claims to recognition. Hopes that the Festival is given a fair share of the honours due for Wales in January. For reply see A1/415.

Blaise Gillie, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff. His attention has been drawn to the comments passed by one of the Ministry's Inspectors at an enquiry held at Llandudno. According to press reports, the inspector objected to a Welsh solicitor using the Welsh pronunciation of 'Craig' rather than the Scottish one, and then he referred to the fact that he was in a foreign country. 'I had thought that we had seen the end of this sort of silly nonsense emanating from your Ministry and sincerely trust that you will find it possible to send someone to conduct your enquiries who is conversant with the ordinary decencies of public life'.

Blaise Gillie, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff. Is glad of the opportunity to comment on the suggestions. Had hoped that, when the time came to announce that John Clement was relinquishing his post as the Secretary of the Council, his promotion could be announced at the same time as the appointment of the person in charge of the Division which the Minister intends to set up in charge of Welsh Affairs. Knows nothing about Mr Douglas Morgan, but is not too worried about whether he can speak Welsh or not, so long as he feels that working for the Council is a worthwhile position. Is disappointed by the suggestion that he should come to the Council as a Higher Executive Officer. John Clement is a Senior Executive Officer, and the writer hopes that Mr Morgan could be upgraded to the same level when he assumes the Secretaryship. Is very glad that Mr Keith Trimnell is to remain in post as the Assistant Secretary; the writer has found him to be first class. Agrees totally that the work of the Council should be divorced on its secretarial side from the Conference of heads of governmental departments. Written in reply to A1/313.

Blaise Gillie, Welsh Office, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff. All the recommendations for honours which Huw T. Edwards has made in his letter of the 10 October have been brought to the notice of the Minister. Written in reply to A2/128.

Blaise Gillie, Welsh Office, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff. Encloses a small cheque for Y Faner to thank Huw T. Edwards personally, and as a token of his admiration for his work for Wales. Has had a very interesting conversation with Mrs Eirene White, MP, while waiting for the train at Chester, and would like to discuss matters with her further. Does not know when he will next be at London and is very busy. A week's holiday is looming, and then he will have to go up to North Wales for the visit of Prince Philip. Will go to London soon after that. Welsh.

Blaise Gillie, Welsh Office, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff. Is now authorised to give information about the distribution of houses between the parishes of rural districts, but it remains confidential. It could well produce results useful to the Council for Wales and Monmouthshire. Suggests an initial investigation into the distribution of houses in two or three of the most crucial rural districts such as Newtown and Llanidloes, Machynlleth and Tregaron. This would then indicate how best to pursue the matter elsewhere.

Blaise Gillie, Welsh Office, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff. Is writing following a meeting between the Minister for Welsh Affairs and David Cole, the editor of the Western Mail, to discuss Tryweryn. The Minister made no reference at all to the discussion which he had with Huw T. Edwards about North Wales, but the writer feels it is likely that either Cole or the Lord Mayor will contact Huw T. Edwards about the Tryweryn issue. 'Personal & Confidential'.

Blaise Gillie, Welsh Office, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff. Thanks to Huw T. Edwards for defending him in The People, a newspaper which he does not take. It is difficult to know how things are going to turn out. Feels confident that the Swansea-Llanelly area has the potential to develop well. But there is something missing in this area which is holding it back. Will look forward to a discussion with Huw T. Edwards presently. Welsh.

Blaise Gillie, Welsh Office, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff. The problems facing Meirion Mill, Dinas Mawddwy. It has applied to the Development Commission for assistance. Does not believe that there is any government agency in Wales which is able to help. The ideal solution would be to find an individual prepared to invest a substantial sum of money. This would enable the mill to become a reasonable success. Does Huw T. Edwards know of any possible source of money and control? It would still be necessary to make the requisite arrangements with the existing management of the mill. 'Confidential'.

Blaise Gillie, Welsh Office, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff. The writer's proposals for a change in the Secretaryship of the Council for Wales and Monmouthshire were approved orally by Huw T. Edwards. Has arranged for the change to take place as from this day. Regrets that he did not inform Huw T. Edwards of the detailed arrangements which he had in mind. Hopes that the arrangement whereby Clement will take over from Palmer will be acceptable to members of the Council. Could Huw T. Edwards tender the writer's apologies to the Council?.

Blaise Gillie, Welsh Office, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff. There is a need to make a change in the Secretaryship. It is essential that John Clement be moved to a position at the Welsh Office, and he could not combine this position with his post as Secretary of the Council for Wales. Intends that Douglas Morgan should take over from Mr Clement in his present post. But it would be a good idea for Mr Clement to assist Mr Morgan in his early days in his new position. Hopes that, for the sake of continuity, Keith Trimnell will be able to continue to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Council. Discusses other impending administrative changes. Regrets having to make these administrative changes in the organisation of the Council for Wales. For reply see A2/121.

Blaise Gillie, Welsh Office, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff. Will do his best for Mrs Gwyneth Williams. She has been very good in relation to the visit to Merthyr of Sir Keith Joseph. Is unsure whether he will be going, but it is likely. Is sorry to leave Wales, but a new spirit in the place will do some good. Welsh.

Blaise Gillie, Welsh Office, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Whitehall, London SW1, Cathays Park, Cardiff. Regrets the delay in responding to Huw T. Edwards's letters. The points which Huw T. Edwards has made concerning honours have been taken very seriously, and the Minister has a close personal interest in the matter. An effort will be made to improve the nature of the next honours list. The Water Committee is to be appointed shortly. Discusses the progress of the re-grouping of water undertakings. Huw T. Edwards's private meeting with the Minister in the Pwllheli area. 'Confidential'.

Bob Holland JP, Cilan, Dolwyddelan, Caernarvonshire. Hopes that the recipient will be able to accept the invitation sent to him to serve on a certain body. For reply see A1/133.

Bob Holland, Cilan, Dolwyddelan. Has received a letter from Sir David Maxwell Fyfe offering him a seat on the Council for Wales and Monmouthshire, and has gratefully accepted. Knows full well that Huw T. Edwards's influence lay behind this distinction. Has not heard when the next meeting of the Council is to take place. Welsh. Written in reply to A2/80.

Bob Owen, 24 Park Place, Cardiff. Cannot come to Chester on 17 July. They will be appointing the first ENT Surgeon to Clwyd and Deeside on that occasion. But cannot attend as he and his wife are going away to Brittany on holiday on Saturday. There are two applicants from London for this all-important position, but the writer fears that they would regard it simply as a short-term stepping stone, and would be likely to move on quickly. Tends to favour the application of Katrin Williams, a Senior Registrar at the moment and very experienced. She has many fine personal qualities which would equip her admirably for the vacant position. Women are generally very successful in this kind of position. Is most anxious that the correct appointment be made. Welsh.

Bob Owen, Croesor, Penrhyndeudraeth. Thanks for Huw T. Edwards's congratulations and greetings. Cannot spare the time to write a long letter because of his external classes. People are asking when Huw T. Edwards is to be knighted, and when he will sit in the House of Lords. Welsh.