HC Deb 08 April 1965 vol 710 c649
21. Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs by what criteria he intends to establish the South-West Regional Development Board.

Mr. George Brown

I presume the hon. Gentleman is referring to the South-West Regional Council. I hope to announce the members of the Council shortly and I shall appoint those people who seem to me to represent the interests of the region as a whole.

Mr. Morrison

Does the First Secretary of State intend that the Council should be empowered to set up or carry on and undertake any business?

Mr. Brown

No.

Mr. Morrison

Are we to understand from the evasive answers of the right hon. Gentleman to Questions 16 and 17 that he intends that these regional boards shall have dictatorial planning powers?

Mr. Brown

It is very difficult to answer a vague question like that which goes back to a Question we have long since dealt with.

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