§ 7. Mr. Hawkinsasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will, in future, publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the text of the Government's replies to proposals published by the various economic planning councils.
§ Mr. ShoreNo. Little would be gained from this suggestion as advance copies of the Government's replies to the major reports of the Economic Planning Councils are sent to all Members in the region concerned and are also placed in the Library of the House.
§ 8. Mr. Michael Shawasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what purpose is now served by the preparation in their present form of reports by the regional economic planning councils.
§ Mr. ShoreThe reports of the Planning Councils are a valuable stage in the evolution of long-term regional economic planning strategies which are required as a framework for major Government investment decisions and the structure plans of local planning authorities as these are prepared.