§ Q2. Mr. Bottomleyasked the Prime Minister what decisions have now been made by Her Majesty's Government following the recent report by the Lord President of the Council regarding the situation in the North-East; which Ministers are affected; and what consequential arrangements have been made.
§ The Prime MinisterMy noble Friend has given a full report on his recent visit to the North-East and his recommendations are being examined urgently. As 233 and when decisions are made the Departments responsible will announce the measures to be taken.
§ Mr. BottomleyWill the Prime Minister give an assurance that matters will be speeded up and that we shall not have the constant delays which we have had from the Board of Trade and other Departments concerned with this work in the past?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. We will deal with them as urgently as possible.
§ Dr. BrayCan the Prime Minister say what new considerations there could possibly be which would alter the argument for the North-East and which have not been known for many months? Is he aware that even today continuing delays are losing orders to Tees-side from the failure to schedule it as a development district?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is a matter I should like to look into. I heard a supplementary question about it just now, but I should like to look into that further. On the broader issue, several questions have to be settled and we will deal with them as quickly as we can.