§ Mr. Dellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what matters relating to Merseyside were raised with him by the deputation from the North-West Industrial Development Association which he saw on 8th March, 1971; what replies he gave; and if he will now make a statement of his plans for assisting the Merseyside Development Area, in view of the high unemployment and the fact that the Government has not created any special development areas on Merseyside.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerAs my hon. Friend explained in reply to the hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Alfred Morris) on 12th March, the deputation raised the current economic and employment situation and the environmental problems of the North West. We have confirmed that the full range of development area assistance remains available for Merseyside. The situation and needs of Merseyside will be kept under close watch.—[Vol. 813, c.202]