§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Minister without Portfolio what is the expected entrance cost to the Millennium Dome at Greenwich; what number of United Kingdom citizens are expected to visit the Millennium Dome during the year 2000; and if he will make a statement. (13275]
§ Mr. MandelsonThe New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) is developing a comprehensive pricing structure which will aim to maximise visitor income whilst ensuring that the Experience is accessible to all who wish to visit. The NMEC aims to achieve 12 million visits to the Experience from the UK and overseas.
§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Minister without Portfolio what measures are in place to ensure that there will be no cost overrun for the public sector or from lottery funds relating to the project to construct the Millennium Dome; and if he will make a statement. [13276]
§ Mr. MandelsonThe New Millennium Experience Company has robust management and financial controls in place which are in line with the terms set by the Millennium Commission for the award of its grant, and in line with conditions set by me as the Shareholder. When the Prime Minister announced the go-ahead for the project on 19 June, it was on the proviso that there would be no extra burden on the public purse over and above the grant-in-aid allocated to English Partnerships for acquisition and preparation of the peninsula site.
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§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Minister without Portfolio what is the planned life expectancy of the Millennium Dome at Greenwich; and if he will make a statement. [13277]
§ Mr. MandelsonThe Government are currently considering a range of possible, self-financing, uses for the Millennium Experience Dome over the longer term. Its life expectancy will depend on future use and upkeep, with no significant structural refit expected for at least the first 25 years.
§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Minister without Portfolio (1) what private sector moneys have so far been secured for the Millennium Dome at Greenwich; what proportion of planned private sector moneys this represents; and if he will make a statement; [13274]
(2) how many private sector sponsorship deals have so far been signed in relation to constructing and running the planned Millennium Dome at Greenwich; and if he will make a statement. [13279]
§ Mr. MandelsonThere is a significant level of interest from potential sponsors and this is expected to be translated into firm commitments in the coming months.