§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made on the clean up programme for the River Mersey.
§ Mr. MoynihanSubstantial progress has been made in laying the foundations for the success of the mersey basin campaign. Apart from other developments upstream direct benefits will flow from the completion by the North water authority of new sewage treatment facilities, specifically at Sandon dock, Liverpool and on the Wirrall. Significant landward developments have also taken place at Albert dock, Salford quays and Wigan pier. Phase I of the Mersey basin programme attracted some £66 million from the European regional development fund and phase II which envisages some £73 million ERDF is now before the European Commission for decision. A voluntary sector network has been set up to ensure effective participation by the community and has attracted £115,000 of private sector sponsorship for specific project support. Efforts continue to bring all sectors into this long term campaign.