§ Mr. Ellis Smithasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what consideration has been given, in formulating plans for regional economic development, to the future of North Staffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent; if he will consult the City Reconstruction Committee on this matter; and what proposals he has to modernise the area, improve the environment in harmony with 20th century ideas, introduce new industry, and expand existing concerns in order to bring about an increase in exports.
§ Mr. William RodgersThere is a good deal of material on these topics in the Report of the West Midlands Regional Study, to be published tomorrow. The Report is being referred for further consideration to the regional Economic Planning Council which will, I am sure, give full weight to the needs of North Staffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent.