HC Deb 01 November 2000 vol 355 cc475-6W
Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what due diligence procedures were undertaken by the Millennium Commission prior to the award of each of the additional grants to the New Millennium Experience Company; [134494]

(2) what the value is of lottery funds currently held by the Millennium Commission; and what the maximum value is of the Commission's outstanding financial commitments; [134609]

(3) what the aggregate value is of lottery funds committed but not yet paid over to projects by the Millennium Commission. [134614]

Mr. Chris Smith

[holding answer 26 October 2000]This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I will write to the hon. Member in my capacity as Chairman of the Commission, and place copies of my replies in the Libraries of the House.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the occasions on which he has issued a ministerial direction order relating to the Millennium Commission since 1 January; and if he will give details of each such order. [134619]

Mr. Chris Smith

[holding answer 26 October 2000]This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I will write to the hon. Member in my capacity as Chairman of the Commission, and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he last visited the Dome in his official capacity. [134603]

Mr. Chris Smith

[holding answer 26 October 2000]The last visit I made to the Dome in an official capacity was on 4 July 2000.

Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much money he expects the Millennium Commission to receive from the sale of the Millennium Dome. [134485]

Janet Anderson

[holding answer 26 October 2000]The Millennium Commission grants made to the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) are repayable from any operational surplus or asset disposal, including the sale of the Dome itself, achieved after the organisation has met it other contractual liabilities. Any decision on the division of proceeds from any future sale of the Dome will be made with regard to the way in which the bid is structured and the land which is required, and the need to ensure that the Lottery investment in Greenwich and English Partnerships' contribution is recognised.

Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what undertakings he has received from the Minister of State, the Cabinet Office regarding further requests for Millennium Commission funds for the Dome. [135414]

Janet Anderson

[holding answer 30 October 2000]I have received no undertakings from my hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, regarding further requests for Millennium Commission funds for the Dome.