asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is prepared to take to encourage the Liverpool City Council to make the Birchfield Road area as well as others in the Walton division of Liverpool housing action area; and what future progress can be expected.

The initiative rests with the city council, since only the council is in a position to select potential housing action areas and decide on the timing of any declarations. My right hon. Friend will deal with any submissions as quickly as possible.