§ 8 and 23. Dame Irene Wardasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (1) what requests for action in the region by the Northern Regional Economic Planning Council have been received; what they were; and what decisions have been taken;
(2) if he will give a detailed progress report to be related to the subheadings in each of the main divisions requiring Government action on the recommendations contained in the "Challenge of the Changing North" Report of the Northern Regional Economic Planning Council.
§ Mr. ShoreThe first four pages of the regional study published by the Northern Economic Planning Council gave a summary of its findings and recommendations. Those proposals which were addressed to Government covered a wide range of topics. They are now being carefully considered by the Departments concerned.
§ Dame Irene WardAs the Northern Economic Planning Council is dominated by this miserable Government, would not the Joint Under-Secretary agree that it is very important that the public records shall show whether the Government are really taking any action, or, according to the hon. Gentleman's reply, just sitting on their behinds considering, about which I am absolutely sick?
§ Mr. ShoreI do not see why the hon. Lady should be quite so censorious in her tone. This is a serious Report. A serious Report deserves and requires serious study. That is what it is getting.
Mr. Bob BrownIs my hon. Friend aware that, unlike the hon. Lady, northern Members on this side of the House are greatly impressed by the vigour and drive of the Northern Economic Planning Council under the great leadership of Dan Smith? Is he aware, further, that we expect the Government to implement the recommendations contained in the Planning Council's Report?
§ Mr. ShoreI think that the whole House, certainly all those who have come into contact with the leaders of the Northern Economic Planning Council, have been greatly impressed by the quality of the men concerned, and, indeed, by the excellence of the Report they have produced.
§ Dame Irene WardNot me, anyhow.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIs my hon. Friend doing something to ensure that the different Ministries involved in the carrying out of these recommendations are brought together so as to ensure that there is a reasonably active follow-up of these recommendations?