Millennium Dome (Hansard, 3 November 1999)

§ Mr. Spring
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures are being taken to ensure that under-16s do not enter the Dome alone. [95191]

§ Janet Anderson
[holding answer 25 October 1999]: The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) aims to ensure that all visitors to the Dome enjoy a safe and exemplary day. The company does not wish to encourage unaccompanied children to travel alone to visit the Dome. The company is also concerned about the general safety of young children on the site. Consequently NMEC will not knowingly sell tickets to, nor generally admit, children under 16 years of age who are not accompanied by an adult. All Millennium Experience ticketing material makes it clear that NMEC reserves the right to refuse entry in these circumstances. NMEC's policy in this respect is similar to that adopted by most major visitor attractions in the UK.

§ Mr. Peter Ainsworth
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Anti-Terrorist Squad of the Metropolitan Police in relation to security at the Millennium Dome. [95122]

§ Janet Anderson
[holding answer 25 October 1999]: The New Millennium Experience Company has regular discussions with the Metropolitan Police about all aspects of security. By definition, it would not be helpful to reveal the detail of those discussions or the security arrangements implemented as a result. I am satisfied that those arrangements are robust and comprehensive

§ Mr. Mitchell
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many book titles will be sold in the Dome; and how many of these have been(a) commissioned and (b) sponsored by the NMEC. [94691]

§ Janet Anderson
NMEC is not commissioning or sponsoring books. About 200 general titles will be available at the Dome which relate to the Millennium Experience and Dome content. The company is publishing one book—a guide to the Dome which will be a keepsake of the day for visitors and which will be only available at the Dome. The company has licensed a number of publishers (Booth Clibborn Editions, Dennis Publishing Limited, Dorling Kindersley Limited, including Funfax, Harper Collins Publishers, and Manning Partnership Limited) to produce a portfolio of books and is working with the publishers to develop them. Thirty one books are covered by these licence arrangements and the portfolio caters for all ages and interests. All thirty one will be available at the Dome and on the high street.