§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what discussions he has had with(a) the New Millennium Experience Company, (b) London Underground and (c) the Department for Culture, Media and Sport about travel and entry ticket packages for visitors to the Dome; [62775]
(2) what representations he has received from the tourist industry about the timing of the announcement of travel and entry ticket packages for visitors to the Dome. [62776]
§ Mr. Mandelson[holding answer 7 December 1998]: Responsibility for negotiating travel and ticket arrangements with transport providers and tour operators rests with the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC). I have had no discussions with representatives from individual transport providers or the tourist industry. The NMEC are in discussion with both about combined travel and Millennium Experience entry packages. The aim is to ensure that attractive and competitive packages are available within the United Kingdom and abroad. Announcements about these packages will be made at the appropriate time. Officials from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport provide me with advice in my capacity as shareholder of the NMEC and they keep me advised of NMEC's progress in these matters.