asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the report of the team commissioned to prepare the strategic plan for the Northern Region is now complete; and whether he will make a statement.
The report of the Northern Region Strategy Team has now been published. Copies of the report have been sent to all hon. Members with constitu- encies in the Northern Region. Further copies are available from the Vote Office. Copies have also been placed in the Library.Comments on the report are being invited from the North Regional Planning Committee and the Northern Economic Planning Council, which commissioned the study in association with my Department, and from local authorities and regional organisations. I would also welcome comments from other interested bodies and the public by 31st May 1977.When the report's proposals and the comments thereon have been fully considered I will publish the Government's response.