HL Deb 18 April 1986 vol 473 cc879-80

11.19 a.m.

Lord Graham of Edmonton

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are satisfied that they are giving the maximum support possible to the city of Birmingham in its bid to host the 1992 Olympic Games.

Lord Skelmersdale

My Lords, it is the responsibility of Birmingham City Council to make and promote its own bid. In doing so, the city has sought Government support to enable it to meet the requirements of the Olympic Charter and to help Birmingham secure the nomination to host the Games. The Government are giving that support.

Lord Graham of Edmonton

My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for that, I believe, helpful reply. Can he tell the House whether the city of Birmingham has made any requests to the Government with which the Government have felt unable to assist them? Bearing in mind that if the Olympic Games do come to Birmingham it will be not only to the credit of the city of Birmingham but also to Great Britain, can the noble Lord say whether the Government are actively using the diplomatic service throughout the world in order to ensure that such influences in other countries as can be brought to bear to assist the bid are being brought to bear?

Lord Skelmersdale

My Lords, the chief request of the Birmingham City Council was for an indemnity against losses arising from the Games. The Government have agreed to guarantee only losses in excess of £100 million. So far as concerns the other part of the noble Lord's question, we are giving full support and will continue to do so.

Baroness Burton of Coventry

My Lords, is it not true that Birmingham has a unique combination of facilities to offer, with its national exhibition centre sited next to the Birmingham international airport and adjacent to a London-linked railway station? Is it not obvious that if the Government will continue to give the support that has been mentioned it will bring an enormous boost for the development of sport in this country if we can secure the Games in 1992?

Lord Skelmersdale

Yes, my Lords, I totally agree with everything the noble Baroness has said. I recommend her to read the Birmingham Olympic bid publication, Heart of Gold, a copy of which I shall see is placed in the Library.