§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress of the construction of the international garden festival in Liverpool; what effect the recent decision by Liverpool city council not to co-operate in the promotion of the festival will have; and what steps he is taking to market the festival both nationally and internationally.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinPreparations for the international garden festival are proceeding very satisfactorily and all the construction works are on schedule. I am confident that the festival will be ready for opening on 2 May next year.
I regret the recent announcement by the leader of Liverpool city council but this will have little impact on the success of the festival. It will be a major boost to the fortunes of Merseyside and I cannot understand why Liverpool is not prepared to make a modest contribution in order to ensure the maximum benefit for the people of the city.
The arrangements for marketing as with other aspects of the mounting and operation of the festival are the responsibility of the Merseyside development corporation. I know, however, that the corporation is well aware of the importance of proper marketing. It is in close contact with the major organisations in this field, including the English Tourist Board and British Tourist Authority, and has prepared a detailed marketing strategy which they are now implementing.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the latest progress on the Liverpool international garden festival.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinYes. Work is going ahead very well, and I am sure the festival will be a major success for Merseyside.