HC Deb 15 November 2000 vol 356 c661W
Mr. Watts

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his plans for the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre. [138793]

Mr. Hill

My Department has today initiated a review of the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC). It was established as an Executive Agency in 1989 and must be reviewed every five years in accordance with the latest Cabinet Office guidance. The last review led to a market test which resulted in a five-year service level agreement being awarded to the in-house management team from 1 April 1996.

The review will, in particular, take account of:

  • the role and past performance of QEIICC,
  • its fit with Government objectives, and
  • the relationship of QEIICC with other bodies in the public and private sectors.

It will consider all organisational options for the Agency and recommend a preferred course of action. Customers, staff and trade unions will be consulted.