Enterprise Zones

HC Deb 07 July 1983 vol 45 cc161-2W

Mr. Alton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the future of the Speke enterprise zone.

Sir George Young

The Speke enterprise zone was designated in August 1981 and will remain an enterprise zone for 10 years. In November 1982 the Government announced their intention to extend the zone, and we still await the reaction of the city council to that announcement.

Mr. Alton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of the enterprise zones in stimulating new employment.

Sir George Young

The monitoring study for the year ending 31 May 1982 published in April this year showed that about 3,000 jobs had been created, of which almost 40 per cent. were in new firms. A further 1,683 jobs were established in the zones between 1 June and 31 December 1982. The study shows that the zones have brought new life and investments to some very rundown areas.