§ Mr. Evansasked the Secretary of State for the Environment ( I) if he has had any discussions with the local authorities about the possiblity of development corporations being appointed in some areas to take over certain local government functions; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he has any plans to introduce a development corporation into the metropolitan district of St. Helens; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George Young[pursuant to his reply, 18 July 1986]: The possibility of building on the achievements of existing urban development corporations is being considered by my right hon. Friend, and it has been raised at various meetings with representatives of local authorities and others. No decisions have been taken on further designations, whether in St. Helens or elsewhere.