§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answers of 5 December 2001,Official Report, column 382W, on the Millennium Dome, for what reason the Government are committed to retaining the Dome structure; by how much the value of the site is affected by the Dome structure; if the Government will sell the Dome structure separately; what the Government's estimate is of the value of the peninsular site (a) with and (b) without the Dome structure; and when the hon. Member for Cotswold will receive an answer to his question tabled on 29 November, ref. 19849. [22790]
§ Ms Keeble[holding answer 13 December 2001]: Like many others, including the London borough of Greenwich, the Government are committed to the Dome staying in Greenwich. It is an important landmark on the London skyline, which has hastened the regeneration of the Greenwich Peninsula and has added to the quality and variety of world-famous structures that were already so prominent in the area. Delivering a successful future 17W for the Dome will build on this, ensuring continued recognition worldwide and enabling the regeneration momentum that has been established to continue.
A pre-sale valuation of the Dome site has been undertaken in the context of this process for securing a long term use for the Dome. Any valuations and Government appraisals of the financial value of the site are commercially confidential.
The question, ref. 19849, from the hon. Member for Cotswold (Mr. Clifton Brown) was answered on 5 December 2001, Official Report, column 382W.
§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will (1) list each proposal to lease the Millennium Dome that has been received indicating(a) the date it was received, (b) the consideration it received, (c) the dates of the proposed lease and (d) the status of each bid; [22858]
(2)make a statement on the process by which (a) bids for and (b) proposals to lease the Millennium Dome are considered; [22855]
(3) list each bid received for the Millennium Dome, indicating (a) the date it was received, (b) the consideration it received and (c) the status of the bid. [22857]
§ Ms Keeble[holding answer 13 December 2001]: Large numbers of proposals have been received by English Partnerships. These have varied greatly in terms of substance and detail, but full consideration is given to every proposal commensurate with its nature. To reveal details of any proposals would not be conducive to a successful conclusion of relevant discussions and would be against the public interest.
The on-going market testing is exploring all avenues in relation to the long-term future use of the Dome, and on professional advice we are in discussion with a small number of serious contenders. All proposals for short-term uses are considered on their merits.
§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many expressions of interest have been received by(a) people and (b) undertakings interested in holding an event at the Millennium Dome over new year's eve. [22863]
§ Ms Keeble[holding answer 13 December 2001]: The Ministry of Sound were the only organisation to directly express an interest and put forward a properly worked up proposal for new year's eve. This formed the basis for contractual discussions, resulting in the event that has been announced for new year's eve at the Dome.
English Partnerships have negotiated a proper commercial return from the Ministry of Sound, including a basic hire charge of £75,000 plus a share of ticket revenue. In addition, Ministry of Sound is paying for all the costs of organising the event.
§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many people have visited the Millennium Dome since 1 July, indicating the nature and purpose of each visit. [22856]
§ Ms Keeble[holding answer 13 December 2001]: The number of visits to the Dome (including repeat and 18W work-related visits) from 1 July 2001 to 11 December 2001, and the nature of those visits, is as follows:
Number Short-term use inquiries 404 Decommissioning related 4,743 Potential purchaser inquiries 55 Civil servants 13 Court visit (Millennium Diamond case) 47 Other 68
§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many(a) guests and (b) staff of English Partnerships have been invited to attend the Ministry of Sound's new year's eve party at the Millennium Dome. [22852]
§ Ms Keeble[holding answer 13 December 2001]: As is normal business practice in event management, Ministry of Sound has offered English Partnerships a maximum of 200 complimentary tickets to the new year's eve event. These tickets have nil face value and will be taken up by English Partnerships' staff (and their immediate families) and guests. The overall attendance at the event is expected to be 40,000 people.