HC Deb 30 July 1980 vol 989 cc1511-3
20. Mr. Bob Dunn

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he plans to designate the area of the docklands urban development order.

26. Mr. Peter Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he plans to designate the area of the two urban development corporations.

Mr. Heseltine

I intend to make the orders designating the urban development areas in London and Merseyside docklands as soon as possible after the Bill receives the Royal Assent.

Mr. Dunn

Will my right hon. Friend undertake to draw the boundaries to include some of the blighted hinterland of the London docks, especially the North Greenwich peninsular?

Mr. Heseltine

If my hon. Friend will forgive me, I do not wish to give assurances at this stage about precisely where the boundaries will be drawn. In general terms, the hinterland of the disused docks is bound to be included, but I should not wish to go as far as to indicate which local authority areas are likely to be chosen.

Mr. Steen

In view of the mess that Liverpool planners have made of the inner area of that city, will my right hon. Friend ensure that they have as little as possible to do with the planning necessary in the enterprise zone at Speke?

Mr. Heseltine

I think that my hon. Friend will understand that the enterprise zone concept means that local and central Government have to agree the planning régime that will apply in each zone. It is a condition of establishing an enterprise zone that such agreement should be reached before designation. Therefore, it will be for me to establish in my own mind that the right conditions exist for an enterprise zone.

Mr. James A. Dunn

Will the Secretary of State take an early opportunity to discuss with those on Merseyside the problem of the attraction of the three schemes—the inner city partnership the urban development corporation and now a new enterprise zone? There are not sufficient resources to support them all. Will the Secretary of State undertake a review, and at the same time examine, the criteria used to appoint people to office in the corporations?

Mr. Heseltine

It is not necessary to have a review other than the continuing attention that is paid to these matters by my Department. We are apprised of the urgency of the real problems on Merseyside. That is why we are giving them so much attention.