§ Mr. RammellTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister which Minister will be responsible for taking decisions related to planning applications in respect of the Dome and surrounding developments on the Greenwich peninsula. [73450]
The Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of StateTaking account of the constituency interests and other policy responsibilities of Ministers in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), and in order to ensure that the advice set out in the "Guidance on Propriety Issues in the Handling of Planning Casework" is followed, I have decided that any planning matters arising in respect of the Dome and related developments should be dealt with by Christopher Leslie MP (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State).
Lord Rooker will be responsible within ODPM for policy issues related to the Dome.
§ Nick HarveyTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) what representations his Department has had regarding the fitness of Anschutz Entertainment Group to proceed with the deal to hand over the Millennium Dome; and if' he will make a statement; [72515]
(2) what assessment he has made of the suitability of the Anschutz Entertainment Group as partner for the Millennium Dome's development; and if he will make a statement; [72513]
(3) what processes of due diligence have been undertaken by his Department during the deal to hand over the Millennium Dome to the Anshutz Entertainment Group; and if he will make a statement. [72514]
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§ Mr. McNultyThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has received no representations about the fitness of Anschutz Entertainment Group to proceed with the deal that was signed on 29 May, other than a number of press inquiries.
The Anschutz Entertainment Group is part of one of the largest private companies in the United States, and has extensive expertise and experience in delivering world class entertainment facilities. It is, therefore, an eminently suitable partner for the development of the Dome and the continued regeneration of the Greenwich peninsula.
English Partnerships, which is the contracting party on behalf of the Government, has carried out full due diligence on all relevant counterparties, as is the normal practice for a commercial transaction of this nature.
§ Nick HarveyTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of progress with the deal to hand over the Millennium Dome to Anschutz Entertainment Group; and if he will make a statement. [72516]
§ Mr. McNultyFollowing the exchange of contracts between English Partnerships and Meridian Delta Limited (MDL) on 29 May, MDL and Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) are continuing to work up their proposals and to consult with stakeholders. They expect to embark on a public consultation exercise early next month, and to submit a planning application in the autumn.