HC Deb 26 July 1965 vol 717 cc23-4W
71. Mr. Jopling

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will now release the Report of the North-West Study Group; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs when he expects to publish the report on the North-West Study.

Mr. Mapp

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs when the Report of the Study Group for the North-West will be published; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Julius Silverman

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs when the report of the West Midland Study Group will be published.

Mr. George Brown

The Stationery Office is publishing the report on the North-West tomorrow and the report on the West Midlands on the following day. I am arranging for copies to be made available in the Vote Office on the days of publication.

These reports are the results of studies undertaken by officials; they are not statements of Government views or policy, and do not commit the Government in any way. They will, however, be of use to the Economic Planning Councils. Boards and Local Planning authorities of the two regions in their future planning, and publication has been arranged so as to facilitate the consultations involved. The findings in the reports and any proposals for action will of course have to be considered in the light of the National Economic Plan, with particular reference to competing claims on the nation's resources; the size of the housing and road programmes agreed for the country as a whole; and the Government's general policies on regional development, the distribution of industry, agriculture, land-use and related matters.