§ 5. Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Industry how many planning agreements have been concluded in the private sector at the latest date for which figures are available.
§ Mr. PriceThat is an interesting reply. Will the Minister place a specimen planning agreement in the Library so that we can all judge the commitments of both sides? Can he tell us the commitments on the Government's side of the agreement as well as the commitments on the private firm's side? What obligations do the Government enter into?
Mr. WilliamsI suggest that it might be worth while for the hon. Gentleman to look at the documents that are already in the Library. He may find them helpful, and that might save my duplicating what has already been done. Clearly the Government's commitment depends on the sector of industry, the firm and the needs of the firm. Essentially, a planning agreement is an attempt to establish a realistic, continuing relationship between the Government and a firm. It has to relate entirely to the operating circumstances of the firm.