§ 15. Dame Irene Wardasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what action has been taken on the report presented on outstanding problems on the North-East Coast.
§ Mr. Frederick LeeThe only recent Report of which I am aware is the Northern Economic Planning Council's regional study: "Challenge of the Changing North". A copy of the Government's reply has been placed in the Library of the House.
§ Dame Irene WardDoes that reply mean, as this is a very old Report, that the Government have not had a report either from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster or from Lord Robens on the position of the coal industry? Why is he talking about a dead duck report when what we want and are waiting for is decision on certain problems which 621 have been spread all over the North of England?
§ Mr. LeeI am sorry that the hon. Lady thinks that the Report is a dead duck. We do not. We are working on a number of recommendations and the Northern Planning Council is working on others. So far I have visited the region on only two occasions, and I do not feel myself competent to issue a comprehensive report.
Mr. Bob BrownIs the Minister aware that, unlike hon. Members opposite, I think that "Challenge of the Changing North" is a handsome swan? Is he further aware that we in the regions are extremely disappointed that up to now none of these first-class recommendations has been accepted and implemented? Will he give a guarantee that he will look again at this Report in order to implement some of the very fine recommendations contained in it?
§ Mr. LeeI do not agree that none of the recommendations is being implemented. At least three of them which were directed to the Government are in the course of implementation. A number of the recommendations were not to the Government but were for organisations within the region and for the Planning Council, and they, too, are being implemented.
§ Mr. HigginsWill the Minister now say what level of unemployment he regards as acceptable?