asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what steps are being taken to co-ordinate the activities of his Group studying regional development in Yorkshire with the Boundary Commissioners who have recently issued a special report on the West Riding.

No question of coordination arises. The work of the Local Government Commission on the West Yorkshire Special Review was completed when their report and final proposals were published last February. The Group now working in Leeds will certainly study that report.

But is not the hon. Gentleman aware that a fortnight ago his right hon. Friend said that he was setting in hand a study group to develop the East and West Ridings of Yorkshire and adjacent areas. If, in the meantime, the special Boundary Commission has set on foot plans for altering the local government boundaries and services, that will have a serious effect on any regional industrial development in the future.

I am well aware of the Answer which my right hon. Friend gave, and I think that the hon. Gentleman will know that I have recently returned from a short tour of the area. As for the other points which he makes, naturally my right hon. Friend will be in close touch with the Minister of Housing and Local Government.

Can my hon. Friend say whether, in this gathering of information which is taking place, he intends to get the views of local industrialists and others about the needs of Yorkshire?

I should like to tell my hon. Friend that local views and opinions will be borne in mind and considered.