§ Mr. PatnickTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give financial aid to the arena in Sheffield required for the world student games in 1991; and if he will reconsider the decision on the funding of Hyde park flats, Sheffield, to be used as student accommodation for the games.
§ Mr. TrippierI have from the outset made it clear to Sheffield that the Government cannot provide any special additional funding for the world student games. I have said, however, that we are prepared to consider assisting though existing programmes any schemes which meet the normal programme criteria and provide good value for money.
343WWe have been in close discussion with the promoters of the arena project in the lower Don valley and I am very hopeful that we shall be able to give the necessary support for the project to get under way. I have also recently agreed to consider a scheme for estate action funding of work on the Hyde park flats as part of a joint development programme involving the Housing Corporation and a private developer.
I am sure that both schemes would be a major boost to development in Sheffield and, as a by-product, would assist the city council's efforts in preparing for the world student games.