§ Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what action has been taken in the City of Stoke-on-Trent, and in North Staffordshire to carry out the proposed economic survey; who has been or will be consulted; what organisations have been asked to make contributions towards the study of economic needs and problems; in view of the specialised industries and the geographical area, if a separate report will be issued; and on what date it will be ready.
§ Mr. D. PriceThe West Midlands Study Group, as part of the current factfinding phase of their work, have consulted representatives of the Staffordshire County Council at Stafford and of the 121W Stoke-on-Trent County Borough Council at Stoke. Discussions have also been held with Keele University. All District Councils in the Region have been invited to put forward information and views to the Study Group if they wish to do so. Further consultations, with the Regional Board for Industry, and with representatives of commerce and industry, are being arranged. The Group's first Report, which I expect next year, will deal with the West Midlands as a whole; a separate Report on North Staffordshire is not envisaged. As regards contributions from other organisations, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hereford (Mr. Gibson-Watt) on 12th March, 1964.