§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Minister without Portfolio what contingency arrangements he has formulated to ensure the Dome is completed and fitted out before the Millennium. [18652]
§ Mr. MandelsonThe New Millennium Experience Company's overall cash budget of £758 million includes prudent provision for cost contingency. Construction at Greenwich is currently on time and to budget. I am confident that it will remain so and that the Dome will be ready to open to the public in time for the Millennium.
§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Minister without Portfolio what estimate he has made of the operating costs of the Millennium Experience at Greenwich. [18731]
§ Mr. MandelsonThe New Millennium Experience Company's overall cash budget for the Experience at Greenwich and the associated National Programme is £758 million. Income to cover these costs comes from a £399 million (net) grant from the Millennium Commission and forecast £359 million from sponsorship, commercial activities, visitor revenues and disposal proceeds. The Company currently estimates that the operating costs of the Experience at Greenwich will be in the region of £100 million which includes the costs of the staff who will be recruited for the operational period and servicing of the site.