§ Mr. Hawksleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now set a target for the winding up of the Telford development corporation.
§ Mr. John PattenThe corporation has secured notable achievements both in reclaiming and developing substantial areas of the town and in attracting every welcome investment from overseas, including a number of major Japanese companies. Nevertheless there is a significant physical infrastructure programme which remains to be carried out (including environmental improvements to land in the area) and there is a continuing need to attract further private investment to secure the economic base of the town. My right hon. Friend has therefore decided after consultation with the development corporation, Shropshire county council and the district of the Wrekin council, to set 30 September 1991 as the target date for winding up Telford development corporation. The final decision and formal order will be made in the usual way after further consultations nearer that date.