§ Mr. PatnickTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is now in a position to make an announcement about the designation of an enterprise zone for Sunderland.
§ Mr. TrippierStatutory invitations under the terms of schedule 32 of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980, were issued today to Tyne and Wear Development Corporation and Sunderland borough council to prepare schemes with a view to designation as an enterprise zone of some 150 acres of land at Southwick Shipyard, Hylton Riverside, Castletown and Doxford Park. It is intended that the enterprise zone will last for 10 years from its designation. Copies of the invitations and maps showing the land specified are being placed in the Library of the House. The statutory procedures of consultation and then the hearing of representations will begin shortly.