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Ceredigion

Electorate: 55,089
Area (Hectares): 179,380

Ceredigion is in the west of Wales and includes Snowdonia National Park, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Cambrian Mountains. Cardigan, New Quay, Abarearon and Aberystwyth lie along the coast. Agriculture and food processing are the main industries. The area has a large number of Welsh speakers, the 1991 census found that 59.1% of those in the district of Ceredigion were Welsh speaking, compared to a national average of 18.7%. (The new unitary authority of Ceredigion has the same boundaries as the old district of Ceredigion within the county council of Dyfed). 32% of the economically active population are self-employed compared with 11% for Great Britain, this will be due to the small industrial base and the over-reliance on agriculture and tourism.

If there is a correlation between levels of Welsh speaking and support for a Welsh assembly as there is between levels of Welsh speaking and support for Plaid Cymru, this area may well produce a strong 'yes' vote. The parliamentary seat of Ceredigion is held by Plaid Cymru MP Cynog Dafis who held the seat he first won in 1992 with a majority of 6,961. The council is controlled by Independents, and many of the candidates are returned unopposed. In the 1995 elections 24 Independents were elected, 11 Liberal Democrats, eight members of Plaid Cymru and one representative of Labour. The Conservatives did not field candidates in any wards.

Results of 1979 referendum:

The 1979 referendum was counted along the boundaries of the eight county councils. Carmarthenshire formed part of Dyfed county council.

Yes No Turnout
All Wales 20% 80% 58.3%
Dyfed 28% 72% 64.6%

Beaufort Research/Western Mail poll published on 2 July 1997:

Respondents were asked whether they agreed or disagreed that there should be a Welsh Assembly along the lines proposed by the government. Those who said that they didn't know were asked what would be their most likely response if they had to make a decision.

Agree Disagree Don't know
All Wales 43% 29% 28%
Mid/West Wales 49% 25% 26%

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