§ 6. Mr. G. Campbellasked the First Secretary and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs when he now expects to publish a revised or new National Plan.
§ 8. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs when he now expects to publish a revised version of the National Plan.
§ Mr. M. StewartI have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Huddersfield, West (Mr. Lomas) on 23rd February.—[Vol. 741, c. 326.]
§ Mr. CampbellAfter the official jettisoning of the National Plan on 10th November last, is it not necessary for the Government to clarify the position now, without further delay?
§ Mr. StewartI have explained to the House that the projections and assumptions for the National Plan are being revised. I am doing this in consultation with the National Economic Development Council and with industry, but I should like to carry this work a bit further before giving precise dates.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneHas the right hon. Gentleman noted the comment of Sir Ronald Edwards that the latest increases in. electricity prices were largely caused by over-investment resulting from the electricity boards' desire to conform to the targets of the old National Plan? Will he bear in mind the dangers of this sort of economic Couéism when he comes to the next plan?
§ Mr. StewartIt is always possible when framing a National Plan to make the error of over-optimism, and it would be possible also—this seems to be the error into which hon. Members are falling—to take too gloomy and restrictionist a view of what is possible. One must avoid both these errors.
§ Mr. MartenWhen shall we have the revised National Plan? It has been an awful long time coming.
§ Mr. StewartI have already said that I did not wish at this stage to give a definite date. I am in consultation with the N.E.D.C. about it.