HC Deb 18 February 1965 vol 706 cc1338-9
3. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether the functions of the proposed planning boards in England and Wales will be the same as those of the proposed Scottish planning board.

55. Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether the composition and terms of reference of the economic planning boards in England, Wales and Scotland will be identical.

56. Mr. Shore

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he proposes a different membership for the economic planning boards in Wales and Scotland from those in the six English regions.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (Mr. William Rodgers)

There will be no difference in the functions of the board in England, Scotland and Wales. In Scotland and Wales the chairmen of the boards will be officials of the Scottish and Welsh Offices and not of the Department of Economic Affairs and some Departmental functions will be represented by the Scottish and Welsh Departments rather than by Departments which cover the whole country.

Mr. Campbell

Who will co-ordinate the activities of all these boards? Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer have any voice in this matter?

Mr. Rodgers

As I say, the chairmen of the boards, with the exception of those for Scotland and Wales, will be civil servants from the Department of Economic Affairs. We shall be responsible for co-ordinating the activities of the boards. All Government Departments will be involved in the overall policy with which the boards will be concerned.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Is my hon. Friend aware how pleased we on this side of the House are that the Government are taking effective steps to bring new industry and employment to areas of under-employment? Will he let me know when the Government hope to announce the plans for the South-East?

Mr. Rodgers

There is a later Question on the Order Paper about the Government's intentions on the South-East.