HC Deb 05 February 1953 vol 510 cc2012-3
33. Mr. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has discussed with representatives of the estate companies the conclusions and recommendations of Sir Thomas Phillips and Mr. Edward Gillett on Development Area organisation.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Yes, Sir, these matters have been discussed with representatives of the estate companies; but I cannot yet make any further statement.

Mr. Willey

Will the right hon. Gentleman take it from me, as one of the representatives of the Development Areas, that we are very glad he is having these discussions on the problem, and very much hope that he will be able very soon to complete them?

34. Mr. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he now intends to lay a White Paper on progress in the Development Areas before the House.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the right hon. Member for Huyton (Mr. H. Wilson) on 30th October last.

Mr. Willey

Can we expect the White Paper reasonably soon?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I would remind the hon. Gentleman that on 29th October I made a fairly full statement on the Government's immediate policy and intentions with regard to the Development Areas. I think we had better wait to see how that works out; but meanwhile, of course, I am, as the House knows, only too willing to answer Questions placed on the Order Paper about individual Development Areas.