§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the working of the Merseyside Development Corporation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenI am very satisfied with the development corporation's progress.
In 1981 the Merseyside Development Corporation was charged with the regeneration of 350 hectares of derelict and polluted docklands. Its progress in dealing with the task has been spectacular. Already over 120 hectares have been reclaimed and provided with access and services for new users. Its most notable successes have been the international garden festival in 1984—now being further developed by the private sector; restoration of the Albert dock in partnership with the private sector and the restoration of water to the south docks; 120 houses are under construction at the Dingle, new factories have been created in Bootle, and Wapping warehouse is being refurbished for flats; all in partnership with the private sector or other agencies. Despite having to operate in a hostile economic climate MDC is succeeding in creating a climate of confidence in its area in which the private sector is prepared to invest.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many jobs have been created by the Merseyside Development Corporation at the latest available date.
§ Mr. John PattenBetween 1981 and March 1986, 1,320 new permanent jobs have been created in the MDC area. This is additional to the 1,800 jobs retained as a result of the MDC's activities.
In addition, an average of 660 construction workers are employed on MDC projects at any one time. This figure is expected to increase to about 1,400 over the next five years as new projects are begun.