HC Deb 19 November 1997 vol 301 c179W
Mr. Marshall-Andrews

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will place the consultation documents obtained during the review of the Millennium Dome Exhibition in the Library. [12998]

Mr. Chris Smith

I do not intend at this juncture to disclose the detailed review of the Exhibition which took place immediately after the General Election. As I explained in my letter to the hon. Gentleman of 9 September, my decision to invoke the exemption relating to internal discussion and advice under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information was taken so as not to prejudice sensitive discussions between the New Millennium Company and contractors and sponsors. With the hon. Gentleman's agreement, I have made available in the Library of the House a copy of my letter of 9 September and of my letter of 10 September to him in my capacity as Chairman of the Millennium Commission.

Mr. Marshall-Andrews

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what was the date of the meeting of the Millennium Commission which approved funding for the Millennium Dome Exhibition of an additional £250 million.[12993]

Mr. Chris Smith

At its meeting of 9 July 1997, the Millennium Commission, of which I am Chairman, approved an offer of grant to the New Millennium Experience Company of up to a maximum of £449 million (gross) by December 1999 and £399 (net), inclusive of grant already paid under the interim agreement signed on 27 March 1997.