§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Power what steps he has taken in the last six months to relate investment policies to regional development; and if he will circulate examples in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. MarshThe nationalised fuel industries maintain close contact with the Regional Economic Planning Councils and the industries' investment programmes take account of prospective economic developments.
Mr. Mackenzieasked the Minister of Power what financial objectives have been agreed for the nationalised fuel industries for the period beginning 1st April, 1967.
§ Mr. MarshDiscussions with the nattionalised fuel industries for which I am responsible on the possible form and level of financial objectives to replace the 233W existing objectives were begun earlier this year but had not been completed when the standstill on prices and incomes was introduced by the Government on 20th July. In these circumstances, I have agreed with the Electricity and Gas Councils that the new financial objectives should not be introduced in 1967–68 but that the Boards should continue to observe the current objectives until the end of the financial year 1967/68, subject to prices and incomes policy. The National Coal Board's objective of which they were temporarily relieved in April 1965, has been revived and will continue in the year 1967/68.