HL Deb 07 June 2000 vol 613 cc158-9WA
Baroness Blatch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has issued any letter of direction to officials in connection with the financing of the Dome, whether as Secretary of State or as Chairman of the Millennium Commission. [HL2678]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

At a Millennium Commission meeting on 22 May, the Director of the Commission, Mike O'Connor advised the Commissioners that, in terms of the issues he was allowed to consider as Accounting Officer, a further grant to the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) would not represent value for money. He also advised that there were broader issues, such as the economic impact consequent upon refusal of grant, which the Commissioners could take into account, but which he could not. On this basis, Commissioners were unanimous in deciding to award an additional grant of £29 million.

Given the nature of Mike O'Connor's advice, the Millennium Commission followed the normal procedure in such circumstances and issued a direction which the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, acting as Chairman of the Millennium Commission, signed on behalf of the Commissioners. When such a direction is made, it is reported to the Comptroller and Auditor General. This has been done.

Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether a letter of direction was sent by the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to the accounting officer to the Millennium Commission, Mr Mike O'Connor, on the release of £29 million to the New Millennium Experience Company; and whether the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport instructed the Permanent Secretary to issue such a letter. [HL2667]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) did not instruct the Permanent Secretary at DCMS to issue a letter of instruction to the accounting officer of the Millennium Commission, nor was any letter of instruction sent by the Permanent Secretary at DCMS on the release of £29 million to the New Millennium Experience Company. I refer the noble Lord to the Answer I gave today to the noble Baroness Lady Blatch.