§ Mr. Tony Lloydasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent representations he has received 361W from manufacturers in Trafford park regarding problems within his responsibilities occasioned by industrial decline in the area; what response he has made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinI have received a number of representations from manufacturers in Trafford park supporting Trafford borough council's case that the estate be given greater Government assistance. Trafford is by no means a deprived authority. In designating local authorities under legislation dealing with inner urban areas, I am bound to look at the scale and intensity of deprivation in the authority area as a whole. I have examined Trafford's case carefully, but in the light of the available evidence I have decided not to designate the borough under the Inner Urban Areas Act or to accord it inner city partnership status.
However, the council and local industrialists have been encouraged to bring forward projects which might qualify for specific grant aid—for instance, derelict land grant and urban development grant—and I have instructed my officials to work closely with the council and the private sector in tackling the problems of Trafford park.