§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is yet in a position to indicate what will be the future of the International Garden Festival site in Liverpool.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinThe Merseyside Development Corporation's long-term plans for the International Garden 197W Festival site remain unchanged. Forty five acres of parkland and gardens, together with the promenade, Britannia inn, festival hall and arena are to be retained for public use. The development corporation is currently considering how this commitment can best be implemented should the city council decide it is unable to take over the site itself as orginally envisaged. I hope that a firm decision will be forthcoming from the city council very soon.
In addition, for 1985 only, the MDC is finalising plans to open a substantial part of the remainder of the site. This land will ultimately be developed in accordance with the development corporation's strategy for the Riverside area.