HL Deb 13 March 2000 vol 610 cc186-7WA
Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many contracts were awarded by the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) to (a) advertisers and (b) designers; and what is the total cost to the NMEC of those contracts to date. [HL1022]

The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)

M & C Saatchi were appointed by the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) in August 1997 to develop an integrated communications campaign, including creative development, media planning and sales promotion in support of the Millennium Experience and its associated national programme. Their appointment followed a competitive process, through OJEC. As stated in the OJEC advertisement, the estimated total value of the contract is up to £16 million. NMEC has contracted no other advertisers.

Design contracts for exhibit zones, entered into by NM EC, were also subject to OJEC procedures in August 1997. The total value of these contracts is about £17.1 million (excluding VAT), subject to normal resolution procedures.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many contracts were awarded by the New Millennium Experience Company to (a) advertisers and (b) designers were granted after a process of competitive tendering; and how many of those contracts were still in place on 31 January 2000. [HL1023]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

All contracts awarded by the New Millennium Experience Company to advertisers and designers were granted after a process of competitive tendering. The advertising contract with M & C Saatchi is still in place. The designers have completed their services under the agreements. The contracts are still in place in the sense that NMEC either owns the products of their services or is licensed to use them.