§ Q2. Mr. Wadeasked the Prime Minister which Minister is responsible for relating regional plans to the National Economic Development Council's overall plan for the country.
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development, who is a member of the National Economic Development Council, is responsible for ensuring that regional plans are properly related to national economic policies.
§ Mr. WadeIs it not the fact that the N.E.D.C. is to set up regional industrial committees? What is to be the link between these committees and the regional planning of the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development? Would it not simplify matters if the Minister responsible for regional development were chairman of the N.E.D.C? In any case, who is responsible for regional targets for economic growth?
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend, of course, sits on the N.E.D.C. and he is, therefore, able to relate these policies to those of the Council.
§ The Prime MinisterI should have thought that his presence there ensured co-ordination.