§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the future of Liverpool's Sefton Park palm house; what grants are available for its renewal; and what consideration his Department and the Merseyside development corporation have given to its role in developing environmental awareness.
§ Mr. Robin SquireIn the last 12 months the Department has received very few representations on Sefton Park palm house.
Liverpool city council is exploring all avenues for the eligibility of grants for the restoration of Sefton Park palm house, including possible grants from English Heritage or the urban programme.
The original application by Liverpool city council envisaged a restored palm house as an integral part of a wider concept for a Victorian heritage trail in south Liverpool. We will give careful consideration to proposals that meet these wider aims and objectives of environmental awareness and are consistent with the relevant grant regimes.
673WAlthough Liverpool city council has held discussions with Merseyside development corporation, the palm house lies outside MDC's designated area and due to other priorities the corporation is unable to consider support.
§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in processing the application made to his Department by Liverpool city council in connection with Liverpool palm house; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robin SquireThe application has been deferred, pending the outcome of a study being undertaken by English Heritage. When this is known Liverpool city council will re-assess its proposals before resubmitting them to my Department.