§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will discuss the contents of the smaller Dome with the North West region Showmen's Guild and theme park owners. [31967]
§ Mr. MandelsonThe New Millennium Experience Company welcome all constructive discussions with organisations from the leisure industry on issues concerning the Millennium Experience, including the use of the smaller Dome.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Minister without Portfolio how many companies from (i) the North West Region and (ii) Chorley have received contracts in respect of work for the Millennium Dome. [32051]
§ Mr. MandelsonAs at the end of February 1998, the New Millennium Experience company had awarded three contracts to a company in the North West. These are to Watson Steel of Bolton for the provision of masts, cables and core steelworks; for tunnel vents, shafts and cladding; and for exterior plantroom cladding.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister without Portfolio what representations he has received and what advice he sought from the Deputy Prime Minister before deciding to use HFCs to power the air-conditioning system within the Millennium Dome. [35939]
§ Mr. Mandelson[holding answer 24 March 1998]: The decision was taken by the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC). I was informed in the last week of 248W February, and took immediate advice from DETR officials. I informed my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister of the Company's decision the following week.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will list the contracts so far awarded in respect of the Millennium Dome, and in each case(a) the value, (b) the successful tenderer and (c) whether the successful tenderer is British-based. [35971]
§ Mr. Mandelson[holding answer 24 March 1998]: As at the end of February 1998 the following main trade contracts had been awarded by the New Millennium Experience Company in respect of the Dome.
£ million Work Contractor Approximate value Piling Keller Ground Engineering (Coventry) 1.7 Steel mast/cables/core steelworks Watson Steel (Bolton) 12.7 Fabric roof Birdair (New York, USA) 14.0 Mast fans Drake and Skul (Bury St. Edmunds) 0.6 Ground works Stage 1 John Doyle (Welwyn Garden City) 4.0 Lighting protection RC Cutting (London) 0.031 Electrics (masts) EMS (London) 0.119 Central roof vents BACO Contracts (Buckingham hire) 1.7 Foundations Stage 2 O'Rourke Civil Engineering (Essex) 3.9 Transformers Seaboard Trading Co. (Kent) 0.55 AH units Euro Air (Birmingham) 0.47 Lifts Schindler Ltd. (Middlesex) 1.79 Tunnel vents shafts cladding Watson Steel (Bolton) 0.68 Bowstring structure Westbury (West Yorkshire) 1.02 Ext plantroom cladding Watson Steel 2.1 Primary mechanics Crown House (Croydon) 7.6 Electrical mains installation London Electricity 0.2 (London) Perimeter road J. Doyle Construction Ltd. (Welwyn Garden City) 1.35 Active fire Wormald (Bristol) 0.85 Perimeter cladding Xtralite (Northumberland) 2.4 Access walkways Lionweld Kennedy (Middlesbrough) 0.85 Commissioning Commtech Ltd. (Surrey) 0.27
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will publish quarterly full details of his proposals for the contents of the Millennium Experience exhibition and the dome, for public consultation and response. [36174]
§ Mr. Mandelson[holding answer 25 March 1998]The New Millennium Experience Company unveiled details of around half the Dome's contents on 24 February. I shall ensure that the Company keeps the public informed of significant new developments over the coming year.
§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Minister without Portfolio what is the total floor space of the Millennium Experience Dome; and what proportion is presently(a) allocated to zones or themes already determined and (b)unallocated. [36315]
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§ Mr. MandelsonThe total floor space is 80,000 square metres. All this space is allocated—to exhibits, services, and visitor circulation routes.
§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Minister without Portfolio what plans he has to ensure that the Millennium Dome exhibition will employ(a) induction loops, (b) video subtitles, (c) sign language and (d) textphone. [34342]
§ Mr. MandelsonThe New Millennium Experience Company will aim to ensure that the needs and interests of all who visit the Experience are taken into account, including through the use of appropriate communication methods.