HC Deb 11 January 1978 vol 941 cc1656-8
12. Mr. Silvester

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment on what criteria he chose Ministers of differing status to sit on the seven partnership committees set up for the inner cities; and which Ministers have been chosen.

Mr. Shore

In view of the need for close ministerial involvement in the partnership committees, and the considerable work load therefore involved, I have asked three of my ministerial colleagues to act as chairmen of individual partnerships. For details I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Swindon (Mr. Stoddart) on 15th December 1977.

Mr. Silvester

In view of the importance of industry and of the Secretary of State's new Bill, is it not odd that, for example, in Manchester an Under-Secretary has been appointed from the Department of Industry, whereas a Minister of State will be sent from other Ministries? Would the right hon. Gentleman care to explain that?

Mr. Shore

No, that is not an entirely accurate description of what has happened. We are working with our colleagues in other Departments on all the partnership authorities. Ministers from the Department of Industry attend partnership committees at different levels, whether as a Minister of State or as an Under-Secretary. However, the important point is that all the other Departments principally involved are present at ministerial level.

Mr. Loyden

Does my right hon. Friend agree that, rather than limiting the scope of the various Departments, the matter should be approached with the widest possible involvement of the Departments concerned? Furthermore, the broadest possible basis for community involvement in inner city area schemes should be employed.

Mr. Shore

I agree with my hon. Friend. The involvement of the community—and there are, in virtually all inner city areas, many different voluntary organisations—must be brought into relationship with the partnership authorities. That is one of the main matters upon which we have asked the partnership committees to report at their next meetings.

Mr. Alison

Should the partnership scheme's priority aim of increasing employment in the inner cities be taken as the signal for the expansion or for the contraction of direct labour departments?

Mr. Shore

I think that a lot will depend on the circumstances, the wishes and the organisation of local authorities. Direct labour organisations are by no means the universal pattern. In those areas where they exist, I have no doubt that they will be able to make a useful contribution.

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