§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which consultants have been engaged to undertake market testing in connection with the future use of the Millennium Dome site; at what cost to public funds; and if he will make a statement. [157561]
§ Ms ArmstrongThe Government have asked English Partnerships to lodge and explore all expressions of interest, with a view to considering options and mechanisms for the future use of the Dome, before any announcement is made by the Government about the next process. English Partnerships, with Jones Lang LaSalle, are currently engaged in comprehensive market testing, to inform that process. The precise cost of this work is not currently known, as work is ongoing, but it is intended that these and any other costs incurred during the sale process will be deducted from the receipts generated by the disposal of the Dome site.