§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Prime Minister what specific steps she and the Government are taking in support of the Manchester Olympic Committee's bid to stage the Olympic Games in 1996; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government wholeheartedly support Manchester's bid to host the 1996 Olympic Games and have offered the bid team whatever promotional help they can. I have made our support very clear both in correspondence with His Excellency Juan Samaranch, President of the International Olympic Committee, and in statements to the House.
In addition, the Government have provided Manchester with the necessary assurances required by the Olympic charter, and will pay full regard to the Olympic rules and byelaws and do all within their powers to facilitate entry and freedom of movement to members of the Olympic family. My hon. Friend the Minister for Sport has met the bid team, visited Manchester to meet an International Olympic Committee evaluation team and attended a dinner in honour of 10 International Olympic Committee members hosted by the British Olympic 37W Association. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has written to International Olympic Committee members endorsing the bid and our posts overseas are supporting the bid team in their lobbying efforts.