asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will extend the deadline for receipt of comment on the document "Regional Physical Development Strategy 1975 to 1995" substantially beyond 16th May, and state his willingness to support an extensive programme of public participation to enable those affected by the regional strategy to assess options and express their views accordingly.

The period for comments to be made on the discussion paper on Regional Physical Development Strategy 1975–95 has been extended to 30th September 1975, which should allow enough time for a full programme of public consultation with all those interested.