§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment the New Millennium Experience Company has made of its ability to meet its published commercial income target. [125027]
§ Janet Anderson[holding answer 8 June 2000]: NMEC has already made it clear that the original business plan assumptions were over-optimistic and its revised business plan, on the basis of 6 million revenue-generating visitors, forecasts commercial income (tickets, merchandise, food, corporate hospitality and events) of £86.1 million. Part of the difference between the original and current forecasts is mitigated by the revenue contingency factored into the original budget. The remaining difference formed part of the NMEC's applications for additional Lottery grant in January 2000 and May 2000. Despite the revision of the business assumptions the Dome is the most successful paying visitor attraction in the UK, achieving 3 million visitors in six months, and is the second most successful in Europe.
Mr. Jon Owen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he will answer the questions from the hon. Member for Cardiff, Central on the NMEC, tabled for answer on 9 June. [128620]
§ Janet AndersonI answered my hon. Friend's questions (125528, 125530 and 125531) on the NMEC on 29 June 2000,Official Report, columns 618–19W. I am answering question No. 125529 today.