HC Deb 08 May 1969 vol 783 c648
28. Dr. Gray

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will periodically review the selection of intermediate grey areas made by the Government on the recommendation of the Hunt Committee; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Shore

I intend to keep regional policy under close review, including the position of intermediate areas.

Dr. Gray

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the average wages in Norfolk are lower than on Humberside and lower than they are throughout the whole country? As an interim measure before he undertakes the review, will he implement the recommendations of the East Anglian Planning Council on industrial development particularly in the Yarmouth and Lowestoft area?

Mr. Shore

I will certainly consider all relevant factors in the review which we shall be undertaking, and in the continuing review which we are making of development area and intermediate area problems.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the Hunt Committee's Report has been a grave disappointment to those areas lying in between the four city centres visualised in the East Anglian Planning Council's Report? In the light of this, will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that if a local authority can come to an agreement with the Greater London Council about taking overspill from London he will not stand in its way?

Mr. Shore

That is a hypothetical question about future overspill arrangements. As I have made clear—and this is a matter of great importance to East Anglia—we will ensure that the outflow of industry from London into overspill towns and new towns will not be allowed to fall below the pace of physical development of those overspill towns and new towns.