HC Deb 10 May 1965 vol 712 cc20-1
27. Mr. Corfield

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources what progress he has made in setting up the machinery that he envisages as necessary to enable him to contribute advice and information on the most effective use of land and other natural resources in relation to national and regional planning.

Mr. Willey

The Advisory Committee on Natural Resources, the setting up of which I announced on 25th March, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Mr. Chapman), has met under Sir Dudley Stamp and is considering a number of questions which I have referred to it. These include the provision of information and the development of methodological techniques relating to use of land and other natural resources. A small mixed unit of administrative and professional staff is being set up in my Department, to service the Advisory Committee, to organise the necessary links with academic and other institutions, and to assist me in participating in national and regional planning.

Mr. Corfield

In view of the rather wide area of work which the right hon. Gentleman has given this Advisory Committee to do, will he, or it, be publishing an annual report to give some indication to Parliament of what the results of its investigations are?

Mr. Willey

I will certainly consider this, but I doubt whether there will be annual reports. But there will certainly be publication of reports.