asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the outcome of his discussions with the National Economic Development Council on 3rd May.

At yesterday's meeting of the National Economic Development Council, at which I took the Chair, there was a wide-ranging and constructive discussion on the Budget and its implications for the economy. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer described the main aims of the Budget, and the Council welcomed the Government's decision to provide a very substantial stimulus to demand. Some aspects of the Government's measures, including those affecting regional policy, are to be discussed in more detail at later meetings of the Council.