§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the Government's support for a bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games, indicating where the opening and closing ceremonies would be held. [141421]
§ Mr. Chris SmithThe Government are committed to supporting a viable bid for the Olympic Games, but the British Olympic Association has primary responsibility for UK bids and has not yet taken a decision on whether to bid for 2012. The BOA has decided that a London-based bid would have the best chance of success and are due to report their conclusions of extensive studies on the viability of a bid to my Department by the end of the year. The location of opening and closing ceremonies will be a matter for the organising committee of any bid.