§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Minister without Portfolio, how much has been spent so far on(a) consultants and (b) advertisers in relation to the Millennium Dome at Greenwich; and if he will make a statement. [13278]
§ Mr. Mandelson[holding answer 6 November 1997]: The New Millennium Experience Company has employed, and continues to employ, a range of consultants in a number of specialist fields appropriate to a project of this scale and nature, including engineering, planning and transport. In all cases the procedures adopted 610W with such companies, including advertising agents, meet the requirements which apply to all non-departmental public bodies for the purchase of goods, services and equipment. Details of individual contracts are commercially confidential but the NMEC has been involved in 51 (completed and current) contracts with third parties to date.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will estimate how much has been spent on policing the Millennium Dome site in each month since the start of construction; what is the projected expenditure for the remaining months prior to completion; and if he will make a statement. [14235]
§ Mr. Mandelson[holding answer 7 November 1997]: In June 1997, and after open competition, the New Millennium Experience Company contracted with a local Greenwich company to provide security on the Millennium Experience site. The terms of the contract are commercial in confidence. The site security work has recently been the subject of a new competitive tender exercise following normal procedures for contract renewal. NMEC is now completing its consideration of the bids. English Partnerships have separate contract arrangements to fulfil their responsibilities for security to the whole peninsula site during the construction stage.