§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment why proposals submitted to his Merseyside task force for improvements to Liverpool's Sefton Park palm house, to be financed under the urban fund, have not been proceeded with; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KeyProposals to restore the palm house were submitted in Liverpool's 1989–90 programme and again in 101W the 1990–91 programme. Ministers at that time were not satisfied that cost estimates for this specialised renovation task were sufficiently robust and detailed costings were commissioned. Liverpool submitted a detailed appraisal in June 1990 and this was used as a basis for further consultation. I am not satisfied that in their present form the proposals offer value for money. If the city were to come forward with wider proposals for the park linked to adjoining initiatives by the Merseyside development corporation, I would be prepared to reconsider the issue.