asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if, when the regions are defined for the purpose of establishing the regional planning boards, Merseyside will be a region in itself or a subdivision of the north-west region.

I must ask the hon. Member to await the statement which my right hon. Friend expects to make soon on the functions of the planning boards and councils and the areas they will cover.

Whilst thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that Merseyside has special problems separate from the North-West as a whole? Is he also aware of the statements or reports issued by the planning officer of the Liverpool City Council, which can be of great assistance in relation to the study of the particular problems of Merseyside?

Yes, Sir. The Government are fully aware of the special problems of Merseyside and in particular the exceptionally high level of unemployment which has persisted there for a large number of years. On the question of the exact boundaries of regions I would ask my hon. Friend to await the statement which will be made quite shortly by my right hon. Friend.

Will the hon. Gentleman make clear whether his right hon. Friend intends to make the statement to the Press or to the House?

The statement will, of course, be made to the House.