§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to call in the millennium wheel planning application. [5545]
§ Mr. GummerI have no plans to call in the application for the millennium wheel. The wheel is an inspired idea and an imaginative way to mark the millennium, providing unparalleled, once-in-a-lifetime views of the heart of the capital. It has caught people's imaginations and created a sense of excitement about the millennium, not least among children.
It will be a boost to the economy of the south bank and will bring visitors and new life to this important stretch of the River Thames.
Lambeth has consulted widely. I have no reason to believe it has not considered the application thoroughly and taken into account the range of opinion held on the wheel. I am satisfied that it will not be a permanent feature; to ensure that, I have today issued directions to the council to inform me of any future applications affecting the site of the wheel.