§ Mr. Altonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the need for assistance to the port of Liverpool, and, in particular, the granting of free port status and the establishment of an associated industrial trading estate wherein appropriate tax concessions can be made to industrialists establishing labour-intensive developments; and if he will approach the European Commission in order to seek agreement for these proposals on the lines which already exist in other member States.
§ Mr. Peter ReesI have carefully considered this matter but I do not believe that the provision of free port facilities in Liverpool would create new jobs and wealth at the present time. Questions of regional assistance or assistance to ports are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Industry and the Minister of Transport.