§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his recent official visit to Merseyside.
§ Mr. HeseltineI visited Merseyside on 23–24 May. I held separate meetings with officials of the Merseyside task force; the Bishop of Liverpool; a group of local business men; and members of the Merseyside constabulary. I opened the Knowsley commercial business training centre and an extension of the St. Helens' youth workshop. I witnessed the formal transfer of ownership of 407W the Albert dock from the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company to the Merseyside Development Corporation. In a speech to the Liverpool Architectural Association I reviewed progress on Merseyside over recent months, announced several new ideas and schemes. The hon. Member will have received the text of this speech.