The publication on 5 April 1967 by the Department of Economic Affairs and the Treasury of the paper containing a proposal for a regional employment premium is a notable event for at least two reasons. In the first place it establishes an important precedent in what is essentially the budgetary field by putting forward a government proposal for public discussion in advance of the introduction of any specific measure of legislation. In the second place it provides a brief and lucid analysis of the problem of the development areas as a background for the proposals that it develops.