HL Deb 10 April 2001 vol 624 cc100-1WA
Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Falconer on 15 February regarding the sale of the Millennium Dome site, when they will publish the list of names of those persons who will serve on the advisory group which will assess the expressions of interest from parties who wish to submit bids following the failure of Legacy plc to meet the preferred bidder terms; and [HL 856]

What criteria they will use to determine whether new bids for the Millennium Dome site represent best value for money for taxpayers; and [HL 857]

When they will publish new bidding terms for the purchase of the Millennium Dome site. [HL 1302]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

We are currently conducting market testing prior to launching a new competition. Details of the timetable and process of that competition, including the new advisory group and criteria for assessing new bids, will be announced as soon as possible after the market testing is complete.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which preferred bidder terms were not met by 14 February by Legacy plc. [HL851]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

I cannot go into the details as these were commercial negotiations between the Government and Legacy plc and the sale process is still ongoing.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What advice they have received from the Competititon Team formed by English Partnerships regarding the procedure which should be followed for the sale of the Millennium Dome site. [HL1303]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The Government have received comprehensive advice on this issue, and continue to do so.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will admit Legacy plc as a bidder in the new process to sell the Millennium Dome site; and, if so, whether Legacy plc will be required to satisfy the same level of scrutiny as was required during the previous bidding process. [HL1304]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The new process will welcome proposals from any interested party, and the terms of the process will apply to all interested parties equally. Legacy plc are entitled to put forward proposals, as participation in the previous competition will not rule out involvement in the new process.