HC Deb 23 April 1980 vol 983 cc442-4
9. Mr. Lee

asked the Minister of Transport what studies his Department is making of the road and rail system aspects of the proposed enterprise zones.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The transport aspects of the enterprise zones are being considered in relation to particular sites as part of the consultations now in progress with local authority and other interests.

Mr. Lee

Does not my hon. and learned Friend agree that the availability of good communications into the enterprise zones is a vital ingredient if those zones are to be the success that Conservative Members wish them to be?

Mr. Clarke

I agree with my hon. Friend, and that is why we are paying particular regard to the problems of access to possible sites. We are, therefore, going through the present short-list of possible sites. If there is no proper access to motorways, railways and markets it will inhibit the success of those zones. We all hope that these enterprise zones will make a valuable contribution to the boosting of small businesses.

Mr. Dubs

Who is expected to pay for the cost of access—central Government or local authorities?

Mr. Clarke

In choosing sites we are looking at existing access. We hope to designate those sites that are best placed to give access to the markets Where improvement is required local authorities will probably have to provide it, but we shall be particularly sympathetic to requests from local authorities for grant assistance, when they improve access to those zones.

Mr. Eastham

Does not the Minister agree that it is essential, when planning enterprise zones in Manchester, to bear in mind not only road and rail links, but the fact that the Manchester ship canal and the port of Manchester are also important factors? What proposals does he have in mind that will be in time to assist that industry?

Mr. Clarke

The extension of the M602 to Salford is probably the most important proposal under consideration, and we are about to go ahead with its construction.