Millennium Dome (Hansard, 14 November 2000)

§ Dr. Julian Lewis
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement about the awarding of contracts for the contents of the Millennium Dome to a company headed by Mr. Tim Pyne. [135017]

§ Janet Anderson
This matter is currently under investigation by the New Millennium Experience Company and the police. It is not therefore possible to comment at this stage. A statement will be made to the House in due course.

§ Mr. Peter Ainsworth
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions have taken place between officials in his Department and Lord Falconer, the Minister of State, Cabinet Office regarding the report of the National Audit Office on the Millennium Dome. [137841]

§ Janet Anderson
[holding answer 10 November 2000]: National Audit Office (NAO) reports are routinely circulated in draft to the Accounting Officers of all parties concerned, and comments are requested to ensure factual accuracy. Comments on factual accuracy from my Department, incorporating those from Ministers, including the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, were passed on to the team drafting the National Audit Office Report.

§ Mr. Baker
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the party planned for the Millennium Dome on 31 December, indicating the financial arrangements agreed between the New Millennium Experience Company and the Ministry of Sound. [135325]

§ Janet Anderson
[holding answer 30 October 20001: The Dome will open to the public from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. on 31 December. The Ministry of Sound event, in venues adjacent to the Dome, will begin at 9.00 p.m. after the Dome has closed. The risks and costs associated with staging the event (including policing, security, catering, medical etc.) are being fully borne by the Ministry of Sound. The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) has no exposure to losses arising from the Ministry of Sound event, and the Ministry of Sound are covering the costs to NMEC of providing the venues and the use of the technical facilities in those venues. This is an excellent value for money deal for NMEC which provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Britain's youth and music.

§ Dr. Julian Lewis
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the criteria and safeguards applied to ensure fairness and probity in the awarding of contracts in respect of the Millennium Dome. [136245]

§ Janet Anderson
The New Millennium Experience Company's policy is to conduct its procurement in accordance with Government procurement guidelines.