HC Deb 23 May 1968 vol 765 c850
18. Mr. Tom Boardman

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what proportion of the membership of the Regional Economic Planning Councils is comprised of persons who are also members of county, county borough or county district councils in their respective regions.

Mr. Urwin

About 40 per cent. comprise members and officers of local authorities in their regions.

Mr. Boardman

In view of the influence which planning councils wield on Whitehall, does not the hon. Gentleman think that they should contain a higher proportion of those holding elected office, and those appointed who more closely represent the changed political composition of the local authorities?

Mr. Urwin

The objective here is to get a cross-section of the community who have an interest in regional planning represented within the region.