§ Mr. MaudeTo ask the Minister without Portfolio (1) if he will make a statement on the effect that high wind speed will have on the construction of the Millennium Dome; [29702]
347W(2) what safety restrictions relating to wind speed have been imposed by the Health and Safety Executive to protect employees working at the Millennium Dome site in Greenwich. [29703]
§ Mr. MandelsonI understand that, during the initial unfurling of the roof fabric for the Millennium Dome, which will account for only 10 per cent. of the roof installation schedule, there will be a 12 mph wind speed restriction. For the remainder of the operation, work can be carried out safely in wind speeds of up to 35 mph. The installation of the roof fabric is planned to start in April 1998, with a strict safety regime in place. Throughout the construction of the Dome, the New Millennium Experience Company's contractors will work closely with the HSE to ensure that the highest safety standards are applied to working practices in all weather conditions.