asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what machinery he has set up in his Department to coordinate the Scottish Regional Plan with other regional plans for economic development.

Representatives of the Scottish Planning Board will take part in inter—departmental discussions under the chairmanship of this Department, which is responsible for co-ordinating regional plans. In addition, a senior officer from this Department will attend the meetings of the Scottish Planning Board.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the zeal, initiative and energy that he has applied to this very great problem is very much appreciated by the people of Scotland? Will he assure us that no stone will be left unturned and no delays allowed in the effort to introduce the remedial measures that are so necessary for Scotland's economy?

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend. The relations and working between myself and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, and his Department and ours, are close and vigorous, and we are both very concerned to improve the situation.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor:

Is the First Secretary aware that the people of Scotland do not consider that a Scottish Planning Board with no executive powers is a very good exchange for a 7 per cent. Bank Rate and increased taxes?

My impression of the General Election was that, whatever happened anywhere else in the United Kingdom, the people of Scotland made quite clear what they wanted.

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that the Scottish Development Group has been doing excellent work in Scotland, and can he assure us that the result of that work, and of the work being done at present, will not be lost in the new organisation?

Quite the contrary.