HC Deb 03 March 1970 vol 797 c255
24. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning if he will strengthen the regional economic planning councils to enable them to prepare more comprehensive development plans for their regions.

Mr. Crosland

As the White Paper on Local Government Reform in England made clear, I want to enable the economic planning councils, in co-operation with local government, now to carry their work forward towards the development of firmer regional plans, and I have already started discussions to this end. I do not think that it would be practicable or desirable to change the basic composition of the councils at the present time.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that there is a real need for more staff to get on with the detailed work which it is necessary to have more than the perhaps valuable outline plans that we have had so far?

Mr. Crosland

I agree with the basic objective, which is one of great urgency. I have already discussed it with the chairmen of all the councils, and I propose now to discuss it with the local authority associations to try to advance the matter rapidly.

Mr. Jopling

Is the Minister aware that the Northern Economic Planning Council is in difficulty at the moment because it does not have a chairman? Is he taking any action to appoint a new chairman to the council?

Mr. Crosland

I have asked the deputy chairman of the Northern Economic Planning Council to act as chairman, and I know that he will prove to be an extremely effective chairman during this period.