HC Deb 18 February 1998 vol 306 c698W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Minister without Portfolio what plans he has to consult the Showmen's Guild on the Millennium Dome project. [29863]

Mr. Mandelson

The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) has been in correspondence with the London and Home Counties section of the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain about their interest in short-stay events at the Millennium Experience. The NMEC have agreed to contact the Guild again if appropriate opportunities arise in planning events and activities in the environs of the Dome.

Mr. Fraser

To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will ensure(a) that his announcement about the (i) specific contents and (ii) sponsorship of the Millennium Dome project is made to Parliament in the first instance and (b) that all future announcements are made to Parliament in the first instance where they concern substantial amounts of public and National Lottery money. [29870]

Mr. Mandelson

All Government Ministers are guided by the relevant section of the Ministerial Code, which states (paragraph 27) thatMinisters will want to bear in mind the desire of Parliament that the most important announcements of Government policy should be made, in the first instance, in Parliament.

I shall ensure that Parliament has appropriate information on all major policy developments in respect of the Millennium Experience.