HC Deb 29 March 1972 vol 834 cc416-7
18. Sir G. de Freitas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment on what day the Minister for Local Government and Development plans to meet the East Midlands Economic Planning Council.

Mr. Graham Page

In order to obtain the maximum possible benefit from the visit I have decided to defer it until 23rd June, when the economic planning council will be meeting in Nottingham.

Sir G. de Freitas

When the Minister does visit the council will he look at the economic evidence which induced the chairman, the Duke of Rutland, to recommend that for economic reasons new industries should be allowed to come to Corby, Northants, even at the expense of Peterborough, Welling borough and other expanding towns nearby?

Mr. Page

As a new town receiving London overspill Corby has some degree of priority for mobile industry within the context of regional policies. I do not think that further treatment would be justified at present.