HC Deb 25 October 1989 vol 158 cc503-4W
Mr. Simon Coombs

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to provide a new service area on the M4 between Heston and Membury.

Mr. Atkins

A service area is needed to fill the 56-mile gap between the sites at Membury and Heston. Consultants have been searching for a suitable site to meet this need. When they have reported and their recommendations have been considered I shall announce our proposals for development.

Mr. Eggar

The local enterprise agency project scheme (LEAPS) has been in operation since April 1988. Since then six projects in Liverpool have received support. Constituencies in which projects have been or are operating are Liverpool (Riverside), Liverpool (Broad Green), Liverpool (Garston), Liverpool (Mossley Hill), Birkenhead, Wallasey, Wirral West and Wirral South. The total amount of support in Liverpool so far under LEAPS is £38,000 of public money matching an equal private sector contribution. Nationally, around £600,000 has been paid in LEAPS grants since April 1988 on the same basis.