§ Mr. Adleyasked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the policy of migration from the less to the more prosperous areas of the United Kingdom as a means of tackling unemployment and the implications of this policy on the planning processes of elected local authorities.
§ The Prime MinisterRegional industrial policy aims to reduce regional imbalances on a stable long-term basis, and to encourage indigenous potential within assisted areas. People may move from areas of persistently high unemployment to areas where employment prospects are better. The Government wish to facilitate greater geographical and occupational mobility by freeing markets, particularly in labour and housing, and by making the planning system more sensitive to changing needs. The planning system is the main vehicle for ensuring adequate provision for development to meet changing requirements. In preparing plans authorities are required to take account of guidance issued by my right 633W hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Environment, for example the strategic guidance which he has issued for the west midlands and south east regions.