HL Deb 16 March 2001 vol 623 cc116-8WA
Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What arrangements have been made to postpone the auction sale of items from the Millennium Dome which is due to be carried out by Henry Butcher International Auctioneers and Valuers during the period 27 February to 2 March 2001. [HL850]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The auction sale of items from the Millennium Dome went ahead as planned between 27 February and 2 March. However, in light of the Government's decision on 15 February to reopen the competition for the future of the Dome, the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) and the Government kept under review the range of items included in the auction. I can assure the noble Baroness that no items were included in the sale that would prejudice any potential future use of the Dome as a visitor attraction. Parties who expressed an interest in any items subsequently withheld from the auction will be notified if they become available for sale at a later date.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What sum of money was raised by the sale of items from the Millennium Dome site; and how much of that total will be paid over to the New Millennium Experience Company after the deduction of the auctioneer's fees and expenses. [HL1053]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

As announced by the New Millennium Experience Company on 3 March, the total value of the hammer price for the items auctioned (that is the price bid by purchasers of individuals items) was approximately £3.5 million. This figure is subject to final reconciliation after completion of payments and collection of items by the purchasers. However, if the total remains at £3.5 million, the auctioneers, under the terms of their contract with the New Millennium Experience Company, will receive commission from NMEC of approximately £173,000. The remainder of the income from the auction will revert to the benefit of NMEC. Prior to the auction itself, the auctioneers provided a range of professional services to NMEC, including the organisation of the auction itself, identification of items to be auctioned, cataloguing, valuing, and marketing. The value of this work, which includes all marketing expenses and which again is subject to final reconciliation, is estimated to be £1.5 million. The auctioneers are continuing to deliver services under their contract, which is currently intended to terminate on 31 March 2001.