§ 24. Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, whether he proposes to devolve the preparation of the new national plan on the National Economic Development Council.
§ Mr. ShoreNo, but the planning process is being carried out in full consultation with the Council.
§ Mr. David Howellasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (1) whether he will now make a statement on the effect which the cuts in public expenditure, announced on 16th January, will have on the national plan;
(2) if he has yet made an estimate of the effect which devaluation will have on his programme for the formulation of a new national plan;
(3) what is his present estimate of total economic growth over the period covered by the National Plan.
§ Mr. ShoreI would refer the hon. Member to my reply earlier today to Questions by him and by the hon. Members for Folkestone and Hythe (Mr. Costain) and for Horsham (Mr. Hordern).