HC Deb 20 February 1969 vol 778 cc750-1
13. Mr. Ogden

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what proposals he has for increasing the resources available to the North-West Economic Planning Council.

Mr. Urwin

My right hon. Friend has no proposals at the present time for an increase in the staff available to the Council. Regional staffing is reviewed, as necessary, in the light of work-loads and the resources available.

Mr. Ogden

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Chairman and members of the North-West Economic Planning Council are doing an excellent job in guiding Government investment and showing ways in which Lancashire, Cheshire and the North-West generally can help themselves? Will he give them all the encouragement he can?

Mr. Urwin

I can give my hon. Friend the promise for which he asks. I should like to take this opportunity of paying tribute to the excellent work of the Planning Council and of its Chairman, Sir William Mather. I should also like to point out that the extremely good relations flowing from this work are of benefit to the Planning Council and to the area in general.

Mr. Fortescue

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the pronouncements of this Manchester-based Council are not always very acceptable in Liverpool? Would he indicate to the distinguished chairman that he should always ensure that his favours are distributed entirely impartially between the two cities?

Mr. Urwin

I am sure that not only the chairman but the members of the Council are absolutely fair in their approach to the many problems with which they have to deal. I am equally certain that no discrimination is practised as between Liverpool and Manchester or any other part of the region.

Mr. Ogden

On a point of order. May I point out that the present leader of the Conservative-controlled Liverpool City Council is a senior member of the Northwest Economic Planning Council and, so far as I know, has agreed with all its planning and publications?

Mr. Speaker

That is not a point of order.