§ 12. Mr. Pentlandasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will appoint an economic survey to study the potential economic and industrial strength of the Northern Region, and to recommend the short-term and long-term measures, respectively, which are needed to reduce unemployment and ensure continuing industrial growth.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonNo, Sir.
§ Mr. PentlandWhy not? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that great concern is being expressed in the Northern Region about the long-standing high rate of unemployment, the lack of employment opportunities for juveniles and the lack of any realistic industrial plan for the future? Surely, the Government can find a more suitable answer than the hon. Gentleman has given. Will he look further at my Question and accept what I am recommending in order to help the Government to face their responsibilities to this neglected part of the country?
§ Mr. MacphersonOne reason is that in the past two years, two reports have been made by the North East Industrial and Development Association and I understand that another report is now to be launched by the North Eastern Development Council on roughly the same lines as the Toothill Report.