§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will make a statement on the contents of the smaller Millennium Dome; how it will be funded; and when the decision was taken to build it, and by whom. [31966]
§ Mr. MandelsonA small theatre style building was part of the original proposal for which the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) received planning permission in January 1997. The facility proposed by the NMEC has a seating capacity for between 5,000 and 6,000 people. It will be funded from within NMEC's existing budget. The NMEC are currently developing proposals for the events and activities to be held in the smaller Dome.