HC Deb 13 July 1970 vol 803 cc1130-1
29. Mr. Heffer

asked the Minister of Technology what is Her Majesty's Government's policy regarding the future of Merseyside as a development area; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ridley

The Government will continue to treat Merseyside as a development area for as long as necessary.

Mr. Heffer

In view of the fact that the hon. Gentleman says "as long as necessary", will he give a firm assurance that it will not be taken out of development area status, as it was by a previous Conservative Government, which led to a rapid increase in unemployment? Secondly, can we have an assurance that the aid to Merseyside will be as generous as it was under the previous Administration?

Mr. Ridley

As I said, we will not change the development area status of Merseyside unless and until there is no need for it to continue. On the hon. Gentleman's latter point, we are considering the whole matter, and I am unable to say more at present.

Mr. Tilney

Will my hon. Friend take note that what is wanted on Merseyside is a speeding up of communications, both across the Mersey and laterally, and getting the construction industry moving again, which it was not doing under the previous Administration?

Mr. Ridley

We are conscious of the need to improve the infrastructure and the beneficial effect that this has upon areas like Merseyside.