HC Deb 23 May 1968 vol 765 cc853-4
22. Mr. Dickens

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will take steps to establish a national planning college.

Mr. Alan Williams

Before considering this idea, the Government will wish to study the Report which the Fulton Committee is preparing.

Mr. Dickens

Would my hon. Friend agree that this conception of a National Planning College in the T.U.C.'s recent Economic Review is an admirable idea? What is the Government's attitude now to this proposal?

Mr. Williams

It is a very interesting idea, but since the Fulton Committee's Report is due in just over a month, it would be better for the Government not to prejudge its verdict on that Committee's findings.

Mr. Stratton Mills

Is it not extremely important that planners should be fit for their job? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the answers given by himself and his colleagues on the Treasury Bench this afternoon raise great doubts about this?

Mr. Williams

If we ever set up a national planning college, if it were necessary, we would recognise the great value which Government could obtain from the advice of such a body and the expertise which it would develop. At the same time, we would consider the needs of the Opposition and consider setting up an economic planning kindergarten for them.