§ 40. Mr. Niall Macphersonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what regional planning advisory committees have been constituted for Scotland; what are their terms of reference; and to what extent industrialists and trades union leaders are represented as such on the committees.
§ Mr. BuchananThree regional planning advisory committees have been appointed in Scotland, one for the Clyde Valley area, another for central and South-East Scotland, and the third for East-Central Scotland. These committees consist exclusively of representatives of local planning authorities, and their functions are to prepare reports on the major planning problems of the regions and to suggest the broad lines on which the development of the regions should proceed. The committees keep in close touch with industrial interests in the carrying out of their work.
§ Mr. MacphersonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, in at least one case, the committee failed to consult any of the local associations of industrialists, and will he make certain that does not happen again?
§ Mr. BuchananIn these days of committees, it is terribly difficult to control every one of their activities. I think that the Question which the hon. and gallant Gentleman has put to the House and the publicity given should ensure that being done in the future.