HC Deb 04 May 1967 vol 746 cc729-30
39. Mr. Peyton

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs when he intends to produce what he describes in his paper to the National Economic Development Council as a realistic projection of the national product broken down into the implications for individual industries; and when he expects to receive the views of the National Economic Development Council and of the regional economic development councils on how far such projections would in practice be of value to individual firms.

Mr. Shore

I cannot yet give dates. My right hon. Friend expects to receive the views of Economic Development Committees during the summer on all the questions which have been put to them. He will then wish to have further discussions with the National Economic Development Council before deciding on growth assumptions.

Mr. Peyton

Would the Minister try to persuade either his right hon. Friend the First Secretary or his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to explain to the House one day what is meant in this document, which was the First Secretary's address to "Neddy", because the first observation of it leads one to suppose that it is entirely composed of meaningless piffle and absolute claptrap?

Mr. Shore

There is no reason to believe that the National Economic Development Council shares the hon. Gentleman's views. On the contrary, it is taking the document very seriously and it is being discussed with individual E.D.C.s.

Mr. Peyton

On a point of order. I beg to give notice that, in view of the very unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.