HC Deb 17 November 1997 vol 301 cc77-8W
Mr. Waterson

To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will make a statement on the operation of Millennium Central. [13441]

Mr. Mandelson

[holding answer 10 November 1997]: Millennium Central Ltd. (MCL) was the previous name of the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC). The NMEC is a Non-departmental Public Body responsible for delivering and running the New Millennium Experience at Greenwich and associated National Programme.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Minister without Portfolio what is the basis of his recent estimate that the Millennium Exhibition will contribute up to £1 billion to the economy; and to what extent this estimate takes into account the use of public and Lottery money to build the Millennium Dome. [15686]

Mr. Mandelson

I was quoting from a letter to my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, from the Chairman of the British Tourist Board, David Quarmby who wrote in JuneHere at the BTA we estimate that the existence of the Exhibition and the way in which it will be the 'jewel in the crown' of the London and Britain tourism offer could account for an additional £300–£550 million of overseas visitor revenue to Britain in the year 2000. This is only 1–1.5 per cent. of total overseas visitors revenue of £32 billion forecast for 2000, and could be conservative; it is conceivable that the halo effect of the Greenwich Exhibition in terms of the overall marketing of Britain could double the impact to 2–3 per cent., i.e. up to £1 billion

With Mr. Quarmby's permission I have placed a copy of this letter in the Library for reference by hon. Members. The BTA's calculation does not take into account the contribution from Lottery funds towards the Greenwich Experience. No taxpayers' money is involved in building the Dome.