HC Deb 18 January 1968 vol 756 cc1939-40
19. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will make a statement on the recently published study by the South-East Regional Council.

Mr. Shore

The Council's report makes a number of important recommendations that will need careful consideration by the Government and I am not yet ready to make a statement.

Mr. Judd

Does my right hon. Friend not agree that, in view of the vital signi- ficance of this region to the economic well-being of Britain, industry in the area cannot be left in doubt much longer about the implications of the report and how soon they will be implemented?

Mr. Shore

This report is the most recent in the series of regional reports. As my hon. Friend rightly points out, it covers what is economically, in terms of population, the most important region of the country. We have to give this report the most careful consideration, because decisions that may be taken affecting the long-term development of the South-East Region could well affect the rest of the country.

Mr. Lane

Can the Minister say when he expects to get the report of the East Anglia Council? If not, will he try to hurry it up?

Mr. Shore

I am anxious to get the report just as soon as the Council is able to produce it, but I cannot yet give a date.