§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the working of the Merseyside Development Corporation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierI am very satisfied with the working of the Merseyside Development Corporation. In 1981 the corporation was set up to secure the regeneration of 350 hectares of derelict docklands. Its progress has been spectacular. 166 hectares have been reclaimed, including the site of the acclaimed Liverpool international garden festival in 1984. 120,000 m3 of buildings have been refurbished for new uses, including the largest grade I listed building in the country, the Albert dock; factory units have been provided in Bootle and at the Brunswick business park in the South docks, and Wapping warehouse is being refurbished to provide flats; all in partnership with the private sector or other agencies. This successful partnership is bringing new uses and a new pride to the docklands, creating a climate of confidence in which people are prepared to invest.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to expand the Merseyside Development Corporation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierWe have no plans to expand Merseyside Development Corporation at present.