§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that proper rates of pay and working hours are observed at the international garden festival.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinConditions of service for festival employees, including rates of pay and working hours, were negotiated with the appropriate trade unions by the two firms employed by the Merseyside Development Corporation to construct and operate the festival. Representatives of those unions have remained on the site to ensure that those conditions are being observed.
It is a great tribute to Merseyside that the festival was completed on time without the loss of a single day's work due to industrial action.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Environement if he is satisfied with the working of the Liverpool international garden festival; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinYes. The international garden festival has already proved itself a huge success. It has attracted well over 1 million visitors already and is on course for a target of more than 3 million by the time it closes in October. Early results from the market research being carried out confirm that visitors have a very high level of satisfaction with the attractions and operation of the festival. MDC is also engaged in a major promotional programme to capitalise on the success of the festival as a magnificent example of what can be achieved on Merseyside.