asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has concluded his negotiation on the financing of the international conference centre at Broad Sanctuary; and if he will make a statement.

The Government have now decided to finance the construction of this very specialised building from public funds. Whilst the detailed terms negotiated with the Pearl Assurance Company were in line with the offer, the Government concluded that, in view of the special nature of the building, this was a project more appropriately financed from public funds. Construction is now proceeding.