HC Deb 04 December 2001 vol 376 cc153-4W
Nick Harvey

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many companies took part in the bidding process for the public relations contract with NMEC (New Millennium Experience Company) for the Millennium Dome; and who was on the panel for appointing the consultancy firm. [18659]

Dr. Howells

[holding answer 27 November 2001]: Cardew and Co. were appointed by the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) in September 2000, a time of very high press interest. NMEC needed the services of a press agency which had previous experience of corporate rescue situations and experience of complex financial matters. NMEC considered that Cardew and Co. met the requirements. The arrangements for the appointment were in line with NMEC's procurement rules covering the situation where insufficient time existed for a competitive process.

Nick Harvey

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the value, per annum, of the contract held between the New Millennium Experience Company and Cardew Consultancy; what sum in total has been paid to Cardew Consultancy by the New Millennium Experience Company since Cardew were employed by NMEC; what period the present contract between the New Millennium Experience Company and Cardew runs for; what services Cardew presently provides for the New Millennium Experience Company; what assessment he has made of those services; and if she will make a statement. [18658]

Dr. Howells

[holding answer 27 November 2001]: The new Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) retains Cardew and Co. to provide external press support. Cardew and Co. are paid on an hourly rate, per job, when required. The total sum which has been paid since October 2000 is £339,655. Cardew and Co.'s contract will cease when NMEC has completed the solvent liquidation process. I have not made any assessment of the services provided by Cardews which is a matter for NMEC.