§ 4. Mr. Emeryasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he has received the report on the three-year study of regional economic development and policy sponsored by his Department and being carried out by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research; and whether he has taken the results of this study into account in reaching his decisions on the recommendations of the Hunt Committee.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Economic Affairs (Mr. T. W. Urwin)No, Sir. My right hon. Friend has not yet received the report referred to, because work on it is still in progress but it is expected to be completed early in 1970.
§ Mr. EmeryWas any part of this Report taken into account before the Secretary of State's statement on the Hunt Committee's Report? Does the hon. Gentleman consider this Report to be part of the policy of constant review or a separate and independent review?
§ Mr. UrwinProfessor Brown, who leads the National Institute team, was also a member of the Hunt Committee and it may be supposed that his research into fundamental issues for the National Institute will be in line with his contribution to the Hunt Committee. As far as I am concerned, his Report is independent.
§ Mr. CantIs my hon. Friend aware of the findings of the new report on regional earnings and regional policy? Will he ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take into account the level of wages in an area, like, for example, the Potteries, when making decisions about the granting of industrial development certificates?
§ Mr. UrwinI take note of that point and will see that my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is advised of it.