§ 2. Mr. Geoffrey Lloydasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, when he expects to announce the Government's long-term development plan.
§ 36. Mr. Hamlingasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will now make a statement on the Government's plan to deal with long-term economic weaknesses.
§ Mr. AlbuThe preparation of the economic development plan for the next five years is going ahead and it should be complete in the summer or early autumn.
Meanwhile, we shall be discussing a first outline with the National Economic Development Council, and hope to be able to publish a report following that discussion.
One of the main purposes of the plan is to correct the weaknesses in the economy, and to use our national resources more efficiently and in accordance with national priorities.
§ Mr. LloydDoes the hon. Gentleman agree with the verdict of the Economist that this plan, when published, will be merely a public relations exercise? Is the delay due to the fact that his hon. Friend cannot reach agreement with the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
§ Mr. AlbuI think that the editorial writers of the Economist might wait until they see what the plan contains. If the 1338 right hon. Gentleman really believes that in a matter of four months we can produce a plan for the economy after all the years that hon. Members opposite were in office, I do not think his own personal experience is of much value to him.
§ Mr. HamlingMay I congratulate my hon. Friend on assuming his office? Would he agree that to produce a plan of this sort within six months is more than an exercise in public relations when one considers the record of the previous Administration?
§ Mr. AlbuI assure my hon. Friend that this matter is being proceeded with as fast as possible in my Department. However, it requires a very great deal of work.
§ Mr. Peter EmeryWill the hon. Gentleman give an assurance to industry now that when this plan comes forward from the Government it will interfere with private industry as little as is humanly possible?
§ Mr. AlbuOur experience is that private industry, on the whole, welcomes the setting of these sorts of targets so that it has some idea of what it should do in the next four or five years.
§ Mr. DuffyIs my hon. Friend aware that the public-spirited attitude of some private firms in releasing personnel to my right hon. Friend's Department in order to prepare the plan is in striking contrast to the sour attitude of some hon. Members opposite?