§ 27. Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the Government's position regarding the current financial 601W crisis facing the city of Liverpool; and if he will reconsider his refusal to grant special measures of assistance to the city.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinIt is up to Liverpool city council to take responsible budget and rating decisions. I have no power to make special rules for Liverpool within the rate support grant system. The city is already receiving substantial extra help from the Government through the urban programme and the Merseyside Development Corporation amounting, in the three years to 1983–84, to around £140 million.
§ 67. Mr. Nellistasked the Secretary of State for the Environment under what circumstances he will recommend sending troops to Liverpool to carry out functions normally conducted by council employees.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinI am not prepared to speculate on hypothetical circumstances.