HC Deb 22 April 1988 vol 131 cc612-3W
Mr. David Davis

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he last discussed the future of the Oval with representatives of Surrey county cricket club.

Mr. Moynihan

I had a number of discussions with representatives of the club before Christmas, about the question of financing the redevelopment of the Oval. I told them that I thought that it should be possible to increase the offer of private sponsorship which they had previously received and that I would give any help that I could in this respect. I subsequently contacted a number of potential private sponsors, and related to these discussions, a substantially larger offer of sponsorship was made to the club. I understand that the club may now be on the point of agreeing an arrangement with the company concerned along the lines I discussed with the company. I am glad that I was able to help in these discussions and I am grateful for the helpful role which my hon. Friend himself played. I wish the club and the sponsors well.