§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what functions, responsibilities and overall remit have been given to the London Forum; and who drew up the brief;
(2) what expenses will be paid to members of the London Forum; what staff are at their disposal; and where the forum will be based;
(3) to whom the London Forum will report; and what arrangements are being made for Parliament to consider the forum's work;
(4) if he will give details of the budget allocated for the London Forum;
(5) what targets he has set for the London Forum to achieve in terms of increasing tourism and employment in London;
(6) why he considered it necessary to set up the London Forum;
(7) what consideration was given to choosing members of elected local authorities to serve on the London Forum;
(8) if meetings of the London Forum will be open to the public and press; and if he will make a statement;
(9) who chose the members of the London Forum; and what criteria were used in determining membership.
§ Sir George YoungMy right hon. Friend is convening the London Forum. It will be a private sector company which will look to the private sector for its funding.
Sir Allen Sheppard was invited by my right hon. Friend to be chairman. Members from the private sector have been invited to join the board by Sir Allen, following consultation with interested parties including the CBI, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and my right hon. Friend. As a private sector company it will be for the Forum to draw up its business plan and to decide its working methods.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment who is paying for the launch of the London Forum at the Regent hotel on 29 March; and what is the cost.
§ Sir George YoungMy Department will meet the costs of the launch event for the London Forum, which are estimated to be around £15,000.