§ 8. Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will give a general direction to the British Railways Board in considering the reorganisation of the headquarters of their various territories to have regard to social considerations and the needs of development areas.
§ Mr. PeytonNo, Sir.
§ Mr. TilneyIs it not wrong for a nationalised industry to create unemployment in a development area and to produce jobs in an area such as Manchester, which is much more prosperous than Merseyside?
§ Mr. PeytonI would not wish to enter into the controversy between Liverpool and Manchester to which my hon. Friend referred. It is for British Railways or any other nationalised industry to conduct their business as efficiently as they can.
§ Mr. BradleyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the entire proposal of British Railways for a new territorial organisation is an elaborate piece of nonsense that should be stopped forthwith? Does the proposal require the right hon. Gentleman's approval?
§ Mr. PeytonI think the hon. Gentleman will be aware that any major reorganisation requires my approval. I have not yet received any proposals.