§ Mr. Dalyellasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what is the total membership of regional planning councils; and how many members are employed by nationalised industries.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe total membership of the Economic Planning Councils in England is 224, of which 21 are either employed by the nationalised industries or serve on the Boards in a full or part-time capacity. The corresponding figures for the Scottish and Welsh Councils, respectively, are 25:2 and 26:5.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will introduce legislation to give regional planning councils the statutory right to demand information about investment from nationalised industries, private industries and Government Departments.
§ Mr. William RodgersNo. We do not consider statutory powers are necessary to enable councils to obtain information in this or in other fields.