§ 17. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the First Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what action he is taking to strengthen the regional planning machinery established by his Department.
§ Mr. M. StewartThe planning councils and boards have made good progress since they were established, and, while I keep their operation under continual review, I have no present plans for making changes in their functions or organisation.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIs there not an urgent need for a close link between economic and physical planning, and does not my right hon. Friend feel that some of the Ministries, at least on a regional basis, are at present inclined to carry on their own activities in their own way without adequate co-operation?
§ Mr. StewartI agree about the need for the link my hon. Friend mentions, but I would not agree with his other point. This is one of the matters which I watch when paying attention to the work of councils.
§ Mr. DeanDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is a growing feeling that the Government are trying to make these councils the passive partner of Whitehall rather than a really 1816 effective voice for regional development? Will he ensure that that feeling is overcome? Otherwise, this hopeful development could easily founder.
§ Mr. StewartI am sure that it is not a widespread feeling. I shall do my best to see that there is no justification for such a view, and there are many instances when Ministers have been influenced by the valuable advice we receive from councils.
24. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he is satisfied with the success of his policies relating to regional development; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. M. StewartThe Government's policy on regional development has got off to a good start with the setting up of the regional councils and the steady preparation of their first reports. Our regional problems are, however, wide ranging and complex and cannot he solved overnight. Nevertheless, I hope for steady progress.
Mr. TaylorHow can the Minister be satisfied with the situation in Scotland when we have six unemployed men and women for every vacant job, and unemployment is increasing at twice the rate of the rest of the country? How does that fit in with his assurance that the regions would be sheltered from the freeze?
§ Mr. StewartI did not say that I was satisfied with the position in Scotland, but the hon. Member will know that the Government have taken a wide range of measures to help those regions likely to be in most difficulty.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyWould my right hon. Friend not agree that it is a matter of urgency that the regional reports that have not yet been published should come out as soon as possible? Will he take every step to see that that is done?
§ Mr. StewartYes, Sir.