HC Deb 31 July 1997 vol 299 cc515-6W
Ms Roseanna Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the budget set aside for the millennium celebrations; and what percentage of that budget will be designated for projects in each of (i) Scotland, (ii) Wales, (iii) Northern Ireland, (iv) England (excluding London), and (v) London. [6130]

Mr. Chris Smith

[holding answer 3 July 1997]: It is estimated that, by the end of 2000, over £2 billion of national lottery proceeds will have been disbursed by the Millennium Commission on capital projects to mark the millennium, on the millennium awards scheme, and on the national millennium experience and its regional programme. While it aims for an equitable regional distribution of grant, the Millennium Commission does not designate portions of its budget for projects in particular regions of the United Kingdom.

No central Government expenditure on millennium celebrations is planned, other than approximately £40,000 per annum to support the work of the millennium co-ordinating group and its sub-groups.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what fee he estimates Mark

align="center">Permanent list of absent voters
Year Date of election Type of election Postal Postal proxy Proxy Total
1992 9 April Parliamentary General 12,980 17 2,521 15,518
1993 19 May Local Government 8,259 28 1,642 9,929
1994 9 June European Parliamentary Not available
1996 30 May Northern Ireland Elections 14,377 21 1,769 16,167
1997 1 May Parliamentary 15,236 36 1,985 17,257
1997 21 May Local Government 19,959 33 2,378 22,370

McCormack International will receive from its consultancy for the millennium experience; and if he will make a statement. [6601]

Mr. Smith

[holding answer 7 July 1997]: I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before the summer recess. I shall therefore write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what factors led him to adopt his present policy on the millennium dome; and if he will make a statement. [6902]

Mr. Smith

[holding answer 7 July 1997]: I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before the summer recess. I shall therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of the House.