§ Q8. Mr. W. T. Rodgersasked the Prime Minister what steps he intends to take to co-ordinate the policy of Her Majesty's Government arising from the recommendations of the Crowther Steering Group to the Buchanan Committee, in view of the Departmental responsibilities of the Minister of Transport, the Minister of Housing and Local Government, and the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Ministers concerned and the officials of their Departments are in close consultation on all matters raised by both the Crowther and Buchanan Reports.
§ Mr. RodgersIs the Prime Minister aware of the very widespread view that 1441 the proposal for regional agencies, which was a central feature of the Crowther Report and which had the support of the Minister of Transport, has, in Sir Geoffrey's own words, been turned down flat by the Government at the instance of the Minister of Housing and Local Government? In view of the very great blaze of publicity with which the Crowther and Buchanan Reports were launched, will he take steps to ensure that they are not now allowed to gather dust due to Departmental rivalry?
§ The Prime MinisterI will certainly see that nothing gathers dust in Whitehall.