§ 14. Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had about the continued use of county hall for the London marathon.
§ Dr. BoysonMy hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for sport met a delegation of hon. Members and the race director, led by the hon. Member on 14 July last year.
§ Mr. CanavanIs the Minister aware that if the marathon organisers are prevented from using county hall, the finishing line for the race will have to be switched and, in terms of participation, the event will be downgraded from its international status? Will the Minister use his influence with the London residuary body to try to ensure that any future occupant of county hall agrees to give the marathon organisers the continued use of county hall for just one weekend in the year?
§ Dr. BoysonI know that many hon. Members feel strongly about the marathon finish remaining at the building erstwhile called county hall. We have no locus in this matter, but we have spoken to the residuary body and it will speak to any prospective buyers pointing out the advantage of the marathon continuing to end at county hall because of the nearness of Westminster bridge and Big Ben and because of the publicity that finishing spot brings and will continue to bring to anybody who buys county hall.
§ Mr. Harrisonrose—
§ Mr. SpeakerIs this a point of order?
§ Mr. HarrisonI want to speak on this subject.
§ Mr. SpeakerBad luck.
§ Mr. Harrisonrose—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The right hon. Gentleman knows that Question Time ends at 3.30 and that it is now 3.31.