HC Deb 07 February 1962 vol 653 cc418-9
27. Mrs. Hart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has given to the proposal made by the Scottish section of the Town and Country Planning Association, in its Interim Report on Investigations into Dispersal Policy in Scotland, a copy of which has been sent to him, that he should appoint a small commission to examine the regional planning problems of the central belt of Scotland; and what reply he has made.

Mr. Maclay

These matters involve issues of policy and administration which are of such wide-ranging importance and complexity that I do not consider they could be usefully remitted to a single commission, however representative.

Mrs. Hart

Is the Secretary of State implying that [...]he believes that his own officials are perfectly competent to deal with these problems? Does he not recognise that when voices of such authority as are contained in this memorandum suggest that a commission would be valuable, this suggestion might well be taken up? Is he aware that such a commission might even offer advice which his own planning officials have not so far put forward?

Mr. Maclay

I am well aware of the importance of the body which produced this memorandum, but frankly I am not very keen on jumping into appointing yet another committee for the sake of appointing one. The stystem of consultation between the Department and the local authorities and other interested organisations is effective, but my mind will not be closed at some future date if there is need to consider any further steps.

Mrs. Hart

Is not this a matter which is very difficult for the right hon. Gentleman to deal with by consultation between his planning officials and separate local authorities? Is he not aware that the whole point is that the matter should be considered on a regional basis and that from that point of view a commission which could gather information on a regional basis could provide information which might be valuable?

Mr. Maclay

The new town of Livingstone and the area proposals theme are an example of what the hon. Lady wants.