HC Deb 01 December 1966 vol 737 cc599-600
13. Mr. Derek Page

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what surveys of future population distribution and of likely industrial development have been completed by the Eastern Regional Economic Planning Council.

Mr. Albu

The East Anglia Council plans to publish next year a report on its survey of population and employment in the region.

Mr. Page

Would my hon. Friend explain how in the absence of the conclusions of these reports it is possible to place any reliance on recommendations by the council regarding railway closures? Will he have a word with the Minister of Transport?

Mr. Albu

In the interim period, as my hon. Friend knows, regional councils are asked for their views on the effects of railway closures and they do the best they can to produce such information as they have.