§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what plans he has to maintain and develop the Merseyside Economic Development Company and its subsidiaries should the Merseyside county council be abolished;
(2) what plans he has to maintain and develop the Merseyside innovation centre should the Merseyside county council be abolished.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinAny functions, rights and liabilities of the Merseyside county council in these respects which exists at abolition will pass to successor authorities. It will be for those authorities to consider whether to maintain these activities.