HL Deb 08 November 2001 vol 628 cc305-7

3.25 p.m.

Lord Brougham and Vaux

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the current timetable for the disposal of the Millennium Dome.

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

My Lords, there is no firm timetable for the disposal of the Millennium Dome. The aim is to secure a sale as quickly as possible, consistent with value for money, securing a worthwhile and sustainable future for the Dome and a deliverable outcome. Ongoing market testing is exploring all avenues. On professional advice, we are in discussion with a small number of serious contenders. We announced this in July. To reveal details of the discussion would not be conducive to a successful conclusion.

Lord Brougham and Vaux

My Lords, I thank the noble and learned Lord for that not unexpected Answer. I declare an interest in that I visited the Dome and admired the construction and design but found the content totally unimaginative. Can the noble and learned Lord tell the House how much taxpayers' money has been spent so far in maintaining the Dome? How much money has been paid so far to private consultants to test the market for the sale of the Dome? Will he give a guarantee that no further taxpayers' money will be put at risk? After all, the Prime Minister pledged that it would stand for decades as an example of British achievement. Can the Minister tell us what achievement?

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

My Lords, since 1st January 2001 the running costs incurred by English Partnerships have been £1.9 million. The running costs incurred by NMEC, the company that owned the Dome until quite recently, have been £2.1 million. In relation to decommissioning, £9.75 million has been incurred by EP and £6 million by NMEC. In terms of fees and costs for the sale process, from 15th February until the end of the year, the cost will be £1.7 million. As far as concerns those costs, some have been incurred by NMEC. That is money provided by the Millennium Commission and entrance fees. The rest has been provided by English Partnerships. That money will be recouped from the sale proceeds.

Baroness Noakes

My Lords, can the noble and learned Lord confirm that the sale process has been going on for nearly two years? Does he agree that the sale of the Dome has been marked by the same level of incompetence as was exhibited when the Dome was originally built and operated?

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

My Lords, I do not agree. As far as concerns the sale process, we have acted at all stages on professional advice in relation to it. The professional advice at the moment is to test the market, which we have done, identify serious bidders and discuss with them the possible purchase of the Dome. That is the process we are following which we are advised will meet the aims that I set out in my original Answer. We are following that advice.

Baroness Gibson of Market Rasen

My Lords, is my noble and learned friend aware that the regeneration in the area of the Dome continues and, thanks to the Dome, there are now some splendid houses for different types of people to buy and new medical services? Those who live in that area are delighted that the Dome is still there.

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

My Lords, I am very much aware of that. As my noble friend will know, in addition to the area of the Dome the whole of the north Greenwich peninsula was decontaminated. To the south of the Dome is the Millennium Village, which has a number of houses, including affordable homes, a school and health centre. The people of Greenwich and the area are delighted that the Dome is there and wish it to stay.

Viscount Astor

My Lords, is the noble and learned Lord aware that we would not criticise him if he saved himself further embarrassment and just knocked down the Dome, despite the fact that the Dome stands as a shining monument—dare I say, beacon—to a massive government cock up?

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

My Lords, the noble Viscount will be aware that it was his party which decided to embark on the Dome. As I have said all along, I believe that the right thing to do is to see the project through and ensure that there is a sustainable future for the Dome which provides value for money and brings regenerative benefits to the area in which the Dome is built.

Lord Skelmersdale

My Lords, does the noble and learned Lord accept, having spoken of skilled professional advice, that the art of life as well as politics is to know when and whether to accept such advice?

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

My Lords, yes. I am quite sure that the advice that the Government are receiving is of the highest quality and is the right advice to accept.

Lord Tebbit

My Lords, does the noble and learned Lord agree that he could learn something from his colleague in the Cabinet Mr Byers about the technique for putting businesses into receivership? The Dome is insolvent and has been since its inception. Why does he not face up to it?

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

My Lords, the Dome is not insolvent. As the noble Lord is aware, NMEC at all stages traded entirely solvently and paid all its creditors. We are now talking about what should be done with the Dome building. The building itself cannot be insolvent. We are looking at whether a future can be found for the Dome. I believe that it can.