§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Minister without Portfolio, and in respect of the Millennium Experience what studies he has evaluated into the archaeological significance of the site of the Millennium Experience. [37516]
§ Mr. Mandelson[holding answer 20 April 1998]: The Museum of London Archaeological Service (MOLAS) was commissioned by British Gas, the original owners of the site, to produce an assessment of the area of the site now occupied by the Dome. This report was issued in 1993 and concluded that this was not a site of prime archaeological significance. English Partnerships, the Government's urban regeneration agency and current owners of the site, have appointed MOLAS to carry out a watching brief during the works on site. This activity is on-going.
A photographic survey and recording exercise of the now demolished Phoenix Wharf on the Greenwich peninsula, including a foreshore survey, were carried out by MOLAS and the Thames Archaeological Survey. English Heritage have been consulted throughout and is content with the approach being taken.