asked the Minister of Health whether any increase in the powers of the Welsh Board of Health is intended; and whether he is satisfied that the new Board will be able adequately to carry out its duties, having regard to the importance of its tasks, and the national requirements of Wales?

Yes, Sir. It is my intention in future to exercise and perform through the Welsh Board of Health all the principal powers and duties of the Minister of Health in relation to Wales, subject, of course, to central direction of broad policy. Steps to that end will be taken as soon as administratively possible. I am convinced that the new Board, combining as it does both wide administrative experience in the special problems with which Wales is faced and knowledge of and sympathy with Welsh language and culture, will be in a position to tackle these problems with vigour, and with the good-will and co-operation of all Members of the House, and also, I hope, of the people of Wales.

What powers does the right hon. Gentleman propose to transfer immediately to the Welsh Board of Health?

We shall begin, of course, with housing and town and country planning; and other duties, I hope, will be transferred at as early a date as is administratively possible.

Will my right hon. Friend let the House have a Paper defining more fully these powers which it is intended to transfer?

If a Question is put down with regard to the extent of the powers to be exercised by the Welsh Board of Health, I shall, of course, be happy to answer it.

Will the Welsh Board of Health have power to initiate schemes other than housing?

It will have the same powers as the Minister has at present. In so far as the Minister has powers to initiate, I shall, of course, exercise these powers through the Board.