HC Deb 08 May 1969 vol 783 c645
23. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, if he will consult the Secretary of State for Scotland on joint policy on the recommendations of the Hunt Committee.

Mr. Shore

I have done so and I shall continue to keep in close touch with my right hon. Friend about further action on this report.

Mr. Eadie

Is my right hon. Friend aware that when non-development area boundaries are drawn on the basis of labour exchange areas confusion is created in development areas? This anomaly arises in my constituency. Although I know that the matter has been discussed by the Hunt Committee, have the Government given any consideration to how this anomaly can be ended?

Mr. Shore

There are genuine difficulties in deciding the boundaries of any area—whether they should be based on local authority boundaries, employment exchange boundaries, or travel-to-work boundaries. There is no perfect answer to my hon. Friend's question.

Mr. Stodart

Would the right hon. Gentleman ensure that these consultations are carried out in St. Andrew's House in Edinburgh? Will he note that the action which he took the other day, which has reduced a tiny island in what is already a vast ocean of development area, has made the position of what is left even more indefensible?

Mr. Shore

I do not accept that. On the first point, the hon. Gentleman must be aware that the Chairman of the Scottish Planning Council is my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.