HC Deb 03 June 1965 vol 713 cc1933-4
8. Mr. Norwood

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he has decided the boundaries of the Economic Planning Region for East Anglia; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. George Brown

I am still considering the form of planning machinery best suited to the needs of the area covered by the previous Government's South East Study. I shall announce my conclusions as soon as I possibly can.

Mr. Norwood

I am aware of my right hon. Friend's problem in dealing with the very wide area covered by the South East Study, but will he accept that there is tremendous concern in Norfolk and East Anglia in general about the boundaries of the region? May I suggest that he considers a region which would cover the portion of East Anglia as it is generally understood by the people living there?

Mr. Brown

I am well aware of the views of people in East Anglia as I am well aware of my hon. Friend's views. Without going beyond the Answer I have given, my hon. Friend can take it that that is very much one of the questions I am now considering.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Will the right hon. Gentleman take plenty of time before he sets out his ideas on the future planning of East Anglia and have regard to the subtle inter-relations of agriculture, the countryside, industry and the rest, because, with respect, most people in East Anglia have no confidence in his ability to plan for East Anglia or anywhere else?

Mr. Brown

I thank the hon. Gentleman for the pleasantry. We shall take as much time as making a sensible decision requires, but I am sure I can promise him that we shall have it done before we go to the country in 1969.