HL Deb 08 March 2001 vol 623 cc39-40WA
Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have received written assurances from the financial backers of the Legacy plc scheme for the Millennium Dome that are fully committed to Legacy's business plan; and, if so, which backers have provided such assurances; and [HL810]

On what dates since 1 January Lord Falconer of Thoroton or his representatives have held meetings with representatives of Legacy plc; and [HL811]

Whether they are satisfied that Legacy plc has the proper funding in place to sustain the development of the Millennium Dome site; and, if so, when they will publish the reasons why they are so satisfied; and [HL812]

What proportion of tenancies of the Millennium Dome site does the Legacy plc offer guarantee should be taken by the hi-tech business sector; and [HL813]

Whether Legacy plc has met all the Government's requirements for preferred bidder status; and, if so, whether they will list those requirements and the dates upon which they were met; and [HL814]

What steps they took before granting Legacy plc preferred bidder status to obtain satisfactory reassurances about the financial strength of that company. [HL815]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

I refer the noble Baroness to my answer of 15 February to Baroness Gould of Potternewton(WA 53). Legacy's preferred bidder status expired on 14 February and the Government are no longer in negotiation with the company. The existing competition was terminated on 15 February and a new process is now being set up.