HC Deb 21 July 1987 vol 120 cc178-9W
Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much is due to the Warringon and Runcorn development corporation from the former lessees of the Spectrum arena, the Birchwood project.

Mrs. Roe

The outstanding debt was extinguished on the surrender of the lease.

Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if any specific proposals have yet been made by the Warrington and Runcorn development corporation to his Department about the amount and nature of investment in new facilities at Birchwood.

Mrs. Roe

The development corporation has sought the Department's approval for the construction of an indoor tennis centre at Birchwood and to its disposal on concessionary terms to the borough council. These proposals are being considered.

Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the losses involved in the operation of the Spectrum arena.

Mrs. Roe

The losses of the Birchwood Project (Warrington) Ltd. and its subsidiary the Birchwood Project Trading Company Ltd. are set out in the companies' accounts which are open to inspection under the Companies Acts.

Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if there have been any discussions between Warrington borough council and the Warrington and Runcorn development corporation concerning the sale of the Spectrum arena; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Roe

Discussions took place before the closure of the Spectrum arena last year.

Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Warrington and Runcorn development corporation proposes to consult Warrington borough council over the future of the Spectrum arena.

Mrs. Roe

Yes.

Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider an increase in the rate support grant to Warrington borough council to assist in financing the purchase of the Spectrum arena; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Roe

Local authorities' need to spend on recreation facilities and on the financing of capital expenditure is already recognised in assessments of their grant-related expenditure, which is a major factor in determining their entitlement to block grant.

Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider a transfer of other assets from Warrington and Runcorn development corporation to Warrington borough council to offset any of the costs incurred by Warrington borough council in running the Spectrum arena; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Roe

The development corporation has submitted no such proposal to the Department.

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