HC Deb 21 December 1964 vol 704 cc843-4
18. Mr. John Harvey

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources whether, in view of the fact that the economic planning councils will be concerned with the best use of the regions' resources, he will outline his administrative functions in relation to regional economic planning.

19. Mr. Mawby

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources what departmental representation he will have on the regional planning boards set up by Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Willey

My contribution to the formulation of regional plans will be in the field of the availability and use of natural resources, and I am at present considering how my Department can best equip itself to tackle the tasks involved. One of the Questions I am considering is the appropriate representation of my Department on the regional planning boards.

Mr. Harvey

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his right hon. Friend the First Secretary made it clear in a recent statement that the regional authorities would virtually be their own masters in this field? Is he further aware that in the debate on 9th December, his right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour suggested that it was only possible that he himself might have the rôle of advising regional organisations which might be set up? Does he not realise that a lot of what is being said in this Question hour gives serious thought for concern as to just what authority the Minister himself has over this matter?

Mr. Willey

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour was speaking of his own departmental responsibility and I am speaking of mine.

Mr. Mawby

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of the Questions which have been put to him which surround this question of what he has to do have automatically been transferred to one or other of his right hon. Friends as this is not a matter in which he has any responsibility? Can he assure us that he is anything more than purely an adviser with no executive powers at all? If so, how on earth can he plan effectively land use in future?

Mr. Willey

I do not share the hon. Member's view, and I am not aware of the Questions to which he has referred.

Mr. Harvey

So that there should be no misunderstanding, will the right hon. Gentleman look at HANSARD, for he will see that the Minister of Labour was defending his responsibilities, not those of the Ministry of Labour, when he spoke in the debate on 9th December?

Mr. Willey

I am obliged to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, in that case.