HC Deb 24 July 2000 vol 354 cc415-6W
Mr. Faber

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on progress in the development of the national athletics stadium at Pickett's Lock. [132369]

Kate Hoey

I chaired the first meeting of the Lee Valley Stadium Forum on 26 June. The purpose of the Forum is to keep Ministers and interested parties up to date with developments and highlight any emerging difficulties which can then be dealt with through separate discussions. The Forum includes representatives from the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority—the site's owners, UK Athletics, Sport England, the Mayor of London, the London Borough of Enfield, the London Development Agency, the Government Office for London and Transport for London. The British Olympic Association are also represented to ensure that any Olympic issues are addressed. The next meeting of the Lee Valley Stadium Forum will be held on 2 October 2000.

The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and UK Athletics have appointed consultants to undertake business and technical feasibility studies for this project. Ernst & Young have been appointed to carry out a business feasibility study which will seek to identify long-term revenue options, set out possible models for project delivery and highlight suitable management structures post World Championships. Drivas Jonas have been appointed to conduct the various design and technical studies needed. This will include an assessment of transport issues and environmental impacts. Both studies will be funded jointly by the National Lottery Sports Fund and by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

Mr. Faber

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the oral statement of the Minister for Sport on 4 May 2000,Official Report, column 156WH, if he will place in the Library a copy of the letter which the Minister for Sport undertook to write to the hon. Member for Ryedale (Mr. Greenway) concerning Pickett's Lock. [132385]

Kate Hoey

I will write to the hon. Member and will place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

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