§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he had received concerning the use of the site of the International Garden Festival; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinI have received a number of representations on the future of the site from local authorities, MPs, and members of the public. Many of these have requested that the festival be retained in its entirety as a permanent event. However, as I explained in 553W my statement of 6 September, there are compelling reasons why this cannot be done. I did say that the Merseyside Development Corporation was looking into ways of making more of the site open to the public next year in addition to those substantial parts which have always been intended to be retained as a permanent facility. The MDC has since confirmed that many of these superb facilities will be open to the public next year.