§ 8. Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the improvement, reclamation and development of Maryport harbour.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe Allerdale district council and English Estates are jointly preparing proposals to redevelop Maryport harbour. English Estates is to decide in the new year whether or not to go ahead with development. My Department has agreed in principle to provide derelict land grant for a good reclamation scheme leading to new investment and new jobs.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursWill the Minister join me in expressing the view that a development of Maryport harbour is crucial to the development of Maryport as a whole? Does he recognise that the construction of a road bridge linking the town to the harbour's infrastructure developments would spark off all sorts of private sector involvement? Can we look to the Government to provide us with the money to secure those infrastructure works?
§ Mr. WaldegraveA good scheme would have the effect described by the hon. Gentleman, and I recognise the importance of a bridge to a good scheme. If a proposal is made to us, we shall consider it sympathetically.