HC Deb 08 April 1965 vol 710 cc646-9
17. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what are his plans for the Yorkshire and Humberside region; on what criteria these plans will be based; and whether he will make a further statement on the powers to be given to the Yorkshire and Humberside Planning Board.

Mr. George Brown

The plan for the region has yet to be formulated. It will provide for the needs and capacities of the region within the framework of the national plan. I set out the powers of the regional planning boards in my statement to the House of 10th December.

Mr. Osborn

While thanking the First Secretary for that statement, may I reiterate the fears expressed by my hon. Friends. [HON. MEMBERS: "Question."] Will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that he will not bring in legislation in the same form as the Highland Development (Scotland) Bill?

Mr. Brown

Again, I do not quite see how the South-West gets into the Highlands, but if the hon. Gentleman wishes to put a Question down on that matter, let him please do so and I will try to answer it.

Mr. Heath

Has not the First Secretary read the statement of his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland that the Highland Development Board set up under the Highland Development (Scotland) Bill was the prototype for all regional development in the United Kingdom? This is a matter for which the right hon. Gentleman is responsible. Will he either confirm or deny that the proposed Highland Development Board is the prototype for regional development in the United Kingdom?

Mr. Brown

The right hon. Gentleman is trying much too hard.

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Heath

We have already suffered enough—[Interruption.]—from the flatulent replies of the First Secretary. Although he has now decided not to treat the House with contempt but actually to come here, now that he is here will he kindly give the House some reasonable and sensible answers?

Mr. Brown

Now you are trying even harder.

Mr. Speaker

No, I was not trying at all. We were doing rather well; let us continue with Questions.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

Mr. Speaker, is it in order for the First Secretary in his exuberance actually to insult hon. Members?

Mr. Speaker

No. The point is that Answers should, prima facie, be confined to the matters raised by the Questions.

Mr. James Johnson

To come back to Question No. 17, can my right hon. Friend make any comment or statement on or give any information about any special events in the Humberside region, particularly in view of the statement made by the Chairman of the Yorkshire and Humberside Region, the Chancellor of Leeds University, about the importance of Humberside, and its future as a growth point in Yorkshire?

Mr. Brown

I made it perfectly plain at the beginning, and made it plain to the Chairman, whom I met only recently, that if those concerned feel that it would be a sensible thing to set up sub-regional organisations I am all for it and encourage it. But, having established these people, I wish them to use their own authority and make their own decisions.

Mr. Osborn

I asked about criteria and I am not satisfied that I have had a full answer.

Mr. Brown

I would be surprised it the hon. Gentleman were satisfied, but, to repeat my original Answer, the criteria are that the organisation will provide for the needs and capacities of the region within the framework of the national plan.

Mr. Webster

On a point of order. Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

18. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will make a further statement on the structure of the Yorkshire and Humberside Region Planning Board and Council; if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of those serving on the Board and the Council; and what special arrangements he is making for the South Yorkshire sub-region and Sheffield.

Mr. George Brown

The names of the Council were published in the OFFICIAL REPORT on 31st March. The Board consists of officials of the Departments concerned with regional economic planning: the Chairman is Mr. W. G. Onslow, of the Department of Economic Affairs. I have not made any special arrangements for the Sheffield area.

Mr. Osborn

I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on announcing the names last week, but he will be aware that this Question was on the Order Paper a considerable time before that. Nevertheless, we welcome the appointrnent of the officers, in spite of the fact that the First Secretary has anticipated the Question. What we would like would be the First Secretary's reassurance that the region in South Yorkshire will he given closer consideration by the Chairman, who comes from Leeds and has expressed concern for the North.

Mr. Brown

I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman has been overtaken by events, but that is always a risk in this life. As to his other point, I can only repeat that I leave this kind of decision to the councils and boards, because I believe in local autonomy.