§ Mr. SutcliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what plans are being assessed by his Department relating to the 2006 World Cup bid in respect of the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium; [46252]
352W(2) what discussions have taken place between his Department and the partners involved in the Wembley Stadium refurbishment plans. [46251]
§ Mr. Banks[holding answer 17 June 1998]: I am keeping a close watch on how the project is progressing. It is of importance not only to the long term domestic needs of sport in this country, but as an integral part of the bid to host the World Cup in 2006 and a future Olympic Games. Day to day dealings with the development partners are being carried out by the English Sports Council, which is providing £120 million of Lottery funding towards the project.