§ Mr. Merlyn Reesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent the regional areas of his Department differ from the areas of the regional planning boards; and what plans he has for correcting any discrepancies.
§ Mr. PeartMy Department's regional organisation is designed primarily for the administration of its responsibilities for food and agriculture and it takes account of the boundaries of the Government's regions for civil defence because of the Department's concern in this field. The Northern and South Western regions do, in fact, coincide with the economic planning regions. Elsewhere there are divergencies but arrangements have been made to facilitate liaison with the regional economic planning organisation and these are working satisfactorily. I am keeping the position under review.