HC Deb 18 June 1968 vol 766 c905
28. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what Her Majesty's Government's policy is regarding the recommendations included in the Report on Regional Planning adopted by the Assembly of the Council of Europe in May 1968.

Mr. MacDermot

These recommendations were adopted by the Assembly of the Council of Europe only last month and will now be considered by the Government.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Will my hon. and learned Friend give particular attention to the very valuable recommendations on exchange of technical information and to problems related to participation of the general public in planning procedures, which have particular partinence to our problems here?

Mr. MacDermot

Yes, Sir, and I am glad to say that in general terms I welcome the report and the recommendations. It may be that we shall have reservations on individual recommendations, but they will be carefully considered and we shall see what follow-up action, if any, is needed.

Mr. Shinwell

Will my hon. and learned Friend explain why this body, the Council of Europe, is recommending regional planning of the United Kingdom? Why does not it mind its own business?

Mr. MacDermot

I think that when my right hon. Friend reads the report he will see that what it is recommending is regional planning of Europe.