§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether the statement in the Yorkshire and Humberside Planning Council's Review that the problem of the Yorkshire coalfield was expected to remain a shortage rather than a surplus of men was made with his authority.
Mr. Alan WilliamsNo. The Council, whose view was expressed in the Review in November last year, is an independent advisory body and does not need my right hon. Friend's authority for stating its views on such matters.