asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the original cost and what is the present projected cost of the national ice skating centre in Manchester.

I understand that when the Manchester city council first produced its proposals, the cost was expected to be between £7 million and £10 million; and that for the modified project now under discussion with the Sports Council and the National Skating Association, its estimate is £13·8 million.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects that the national ice skating centre, Manchester, will be completed; and what was the original expected date.

I understand that no completion date has yet been announced for this project, which is still in the planning stages.