§ Baroness Anelay of St Johnsasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 29 June (WA 96) that a number of the Dome's sponsors have recently introduced discounted ticket offers, which organisation bears the revenue costs of these discounted ticket offers: the sponsor or the New Millennium Experience Company. [HL3222]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonSome sponsors are supporting the New Millennium Experience Company's (NMEC) ticket marketing efforts by including discounted offers in their own marketing literature. As is normal in such cases, the actual discount is funded by the attraction (i.e. the Dome) and the company carrying the promotion (i.e. the sponsor) meets the cost of all the publicity, literature and point of sale material. The company believes that the sales volume and subsequent retailing opportunities generated by such offers will be significant, making this type of initiative a viable part of the NMEC's marketing strategy.
§ Baroness Anelay of St Johnsasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have to reopen the shortlist of two bidders for the Millennium Dome site, in light of the announcement on Friday 7 July by BBC Worldwide that they are supporting the Tussard's Group in a joint venture to bid for the Dome site. [HL3263]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonNo new bids can be accepted into the current competition for the future use of the Dome at this advanced stage.
§ Baroness Seccombeasked Her Majesty's Government:
When the sole shareholder of the Dome first received the board papers of the New Millennium Experience Company for the board meeting of May 2000. [HL3143]
14WA
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe board of the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) board met on 2 and 18 May. I generally receive board papers the day before board meetings.
§ The Earl of Liverpoolasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many content editors were involved by the New Millennium Experience Company in the development of the content of the Dome; who they were; what were their qualifications; and what payments, if any, were made to them. [HL3028]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) employed four content editors; Martin Newman, Tania Watson, Tim Gardom and Ben Evans. The Editors were employed on a consultancy basis on different daily rates of pay reflecting the prior relevant experience of each individual and the nature of the jobs undertaken. In each case these were individuals who were recommended to NMEC by leading design companies, board members and other advisors to NMEC. Under the terms of their contracts, NMEC is obliged to seek permission before disclosing information about terms of employment. NMEC has written to the individuals requesting permission and, once replies have been received, I will write to the noble Earl.