§ 14. Captain O'GRADYasked the Minister of Pensions whether, seeing that no alteration is to be made in the area or constitution of the Wales region unless 2467 the local authorities were consulted, he will consult the county councils, borough councils, and urban district councils of Yorkshire with a view to ascertaining whether they approve of the proposed amalgamation of the Northern and Yorkshire regions?
§ Major TRYONNo undertaking has been given to consult the local authorities before any change is made in the area or constitution of the Wales region but, in any event, changes in the Wales region would give rise to questions, e.g., questions of national feeling, which do not apply to the proposed amalgamation of the Northern and Yorkshire regions. As I informed the hon. and learned Member for York on the 12th July, I shall be most happy to consider any representations which may be made from the locality affected.
§ Captain O'GRADYIs national sentiment to be a guide in this matter or is this a question of economy in the practical carrying on of the Council's work?
§ Major TRYONIt is quite obviously not right to keep on an unnecessary number of offices to do work which is growing less. May I remind the hon. and gallant Gentleman that some of the Labour Members for Yorkshire have bitterly attacked the existence of any regional offices.