from a South Wales correspondent
A resolution demanding the setting up of a Trade Union Congress for Wales was passed by the 55,000 strong South Wales National Union of Mineworkers at Porthcawl last week. The resolution, from Morlais Lodge, was moved by Cyril Parry, who said that events of recent years had clearly indicated the need for such a body, and that rail and pit closures, reorganisation of the docks the chaotic condition of our transport system, and plans for alternative : industries were among the developments which demanded the closest attention of the trade union movement. His point, that a Welsh T.U.C. would also serve to unify North and South Wales, was. taken up by the vice-president, Glyn Williams, who said that "Now we have a Secretary of State for Wales, I believe we should also have parity with Scotland by the creation of a T.U.C. of Wales," Voting in support of the resolution was unanimous, and steps will now be taken to gain the support of other trade unions in Wales. The 26 Mining MPs were represented at the Conference by Ness Edwards, MP for Cae.philly, who spoke of the crisis now confronting the industry, and expressed concern at the acceleration of pit closures which had followed the publication of the National Plan, He warned that lack of manpower would produce a coal famine by 1970 unless there was a reappraisal of Government policy.