§ Mr. Michael McGuireasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is now able to give details of the manner in which the Skelmersdale new town will benefit arising out of his decision to include it within that area of Merseyside for which he has assumed a special responsibility.
§ Mr. HeseltineThe Merseyside task force is considering a number of ways in which improvements might be made to the economy and the environment of Merseyside. In addition, the task force is taking forward the training, housing and other initiatives which I announced on 5 August. I expect lessons to be learnt from this work which will prove to be of benefit to the whole Merseyside area, including Skelmersdale. I receive frequent reports on progress and the task force is to report to Ministers later this year.