§ Mr. FaberTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many of the seats at the proposed Lee Valley Stadium would be provided on a temporary basis for the World Athletics Championships in 2005. [134845]
§ Kate Hoey[holding answer 26 October 2000]: According to the current design concept developed by Drivers Jonas as part of the feasibility study for the Lee Valley Stadium, between 15,000 and 20,000 of the 40,000–45,000 seats available for the World Championships will not be included in the long-term legacy stadium.
§ Mr. FaberTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has received from the British Olympic Association of the suitability of the proposed Lee Valley Stadium as a venue for track and field athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies of a London Olympic Games; and if he will make a statement. [134841]
§ Kate Hoey[holding answer 26 October 2000]: I have received no such assessment. The British Olympic Association are involved in discussions about the possible future uses of the stadium and attend meetings of the Lee Valley Stadium Forum.
§ Mr. FaberTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if it is his policy that the proposed Lee Valley Stadium should be capable of being upgraded to act as the venue for track and field athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies of a London Olympic Games. [134839]
§ Kate Hoey[holding answer 26 October 2000]: The main priority for the project partners involved with the development of the new National Athletics Stadium is to provide a world class facility capable of hosting the World Athletics Championships in 2005 which is also capable of ensuring that athletics have a national centre for the future development of the sport. No decisions have been taken which would rule out the possibility of the stadium being used as a venue for a future Olympic Games.
§ Mr. FaberTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement about the meeting of the Lee Valley Stadium Forum on 2 October. [134836]
§ Kate Hoey[holding answer 26 October 2000]: The Lee Valley Forum meeting on 2 October 2000 discussed a number of matters including the emerging conclusions of the business and technical feasibility studies commissioned by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and UK Athletics, an update on the plans for staging the 2005 World Championships and a progress report on the provision of accommodation for competitors.
§ Mr. FaberTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions(a) he and (b) the Minister for Sport have had with (i) members and (ii) representatives of the International Amateur Athletics Federation about the development of a venue for the 2005 World Athletic Championships since the award of those championships to London; and if he will make a statement. [134838]
327W
§ Kate Hoey[holding answer 26 October 2000]: No formal discussions have been held with the International Amateur Athletic Federation to discuss the successful London bid for the 2005 World Championships, since the award of the Championships in April. UK Athletics are required to give the IAAF a progress report on the staging arrangements, including the development of the venue, by the middle of next year.
§ Mr. FaberTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his assessment is of the impact of the proposed development of a national athletics stadium at Picketts Lock on the long term viability of athletics facilities in(a) Gateshead, (b) Birmingham, (c) Sheffield and (d) Edinburgh. [134840]
§ Kate Hoey[holding answer 26 October 2000]: The new national athletics stadium will provide a new, world class venue for athletics which will enhance the profile of the sport across the United Kingdom. UK Athletics are currently looking at the impact of the new stadium on athletics but have made it clear that any effects on large scale events currently staged outside London should be minimised.
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what advice he has received from Sport England regarding the suitability of Picketts Lock as the site of an athletics facility; and if he will make a statement. [134602]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 26 October 2000]: UK Athletics selected Picketts Lock as the site on which to base their bid for the 2005 World Athletics Championships following extensive discussions with Sport England, UK Sport, the Government Office for London, a number of local authorities and with my Department. Since the success of the bid, the Lee Valley Stadium project team comprising the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and UK Athletics have commissioned consultants to advise on the optimum design for the stadium and on business planning options.