‘Quango Wales’ Revisited Research Workshop
During the 1997 election devolution referendum, the use of unelected public bodies (or QUANGOs) to govern Wales, with limited democratic oversight, was widely criticised. However, their use has continued post-devolution, and the same questions continue to be asked. This workshop seeks to explore the changing use of QUANGOs throughout the pre and post devolution eras.
Speakers are clustered around three themes: Economy, heritage and tourism, and the Welsh language. There will also be a small exhibition of historical material created by the Welsh Political Archive at the National Library of Wales.
Programme
1000-1030: Introduction
Marc Collinson (Bangor) and Rob Phillips (National Library of Wales).
1030-1130: Panel 1: QUANGOs and the Economy
Leon Gooberman (Cardiff): QUANGOS and economic development: the Welsh Development Agency, 1976-2006.
Ed T. Jones (Bangor): State Capacity and Economic Governance in Devolved Wales: Institutional Evolution and Strategic Coherence Since 1999.
1130-1200: Coffee break (provided)
1200-1300: Panel 2 - QUANGOs, Heritage, and Tourism
Mari Wiliam (Bangor): Tourism and Huw T: The origins of the Wales Tourist Board.
Euryn Roberts (Bangor): Quangos and the commercialization of the Welsh past
1300-1400: Lunch (not provided)
1400-1500: Panel 3 - 'From Language Board to Commissioner: The Welsh Language and the 'Quango State''
Discussants: Meri Huws (Aberystwyth), Llion Jones (Bangor). This panel will be conducted through the medium of Welsh. There will be simultaneous translation
*This event is supported by a Learned Society of Wales Research Workshop Grant and has been organised in collaboration with the Welsh Political Archive at the National Library of Wales.
Attendance is free, but please contact Dr Marc Collinson at m.d.collinson@bangor.ac.uk to register for catering purposes.
