(Q62033)

Donald Richard Coleman (1925-1991) was the Labour MP for Neath from 1964 until his death. He was educated at Cadoxton Boys' School, Barry, and Cardiff Technical College. He held a number of technical positions at various laboratories at Cardiff and Swansea before securing an appointment in 1954 as metallurgist to the Research Department of the Steel Company of Wales Ltd, Abbey Works, Port Talbot, in which position he remained until his election to parliament in the General Election of October 1964. He held a number of junior ministerial appointments including minister of state for Wales, 1967-1970, opposition whip, 1970-1974, and opposition spokesman on Welsh affairs, 1981-1983. He also served as delegate to the Council of Europe and was especially prominent in the public life of Neath, Swansea and West Glamorgan.