§ Mr. ThorntonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the future of Croxteth hall and country park, Merseyside.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe have considered very carefully proposals by the Merseyside residuary body for the detailed arrangements for the future of Croxteth hall and country park. To put an end to uncertainty over the future of Croxteth park we are minded to accept the recommendation that Croxteth should transfer to Liverpool city council on 1 April 1989. The transfer would include an endowment from the residuary body of £3 million to be held in a new Croxteth hall and country park trust fund currently being set up by Liverpool city council. The endowment would be applied to capital works for improving and developing the estate.
Subject to the outcome of consultations with the local district councils and interested parties, including local amenity organisations, an order would be made under section 67 of the Local Government Act 1985 giving effect to these proposals.