HL Deb 12 February 2001 vol 622 cc4-5WA
Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What deadlines have been imposed by them upon the signing of contracts with Legacy plc for the sale to that company of the Millennium Dome site. [HL326]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The Government set a deadline of 14 January for Legacy plc to submit its response to the preferred bidder letter to the Competition Team and a further deadline for exchange of contracts. The Government are continuing to negotiate with Legacy plc.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in the event of the sale of the Millennium Dome site to Legacy plc not proceeding, they are sure that nothing has been done in the interim to prejudice the success of a bid from another source which would seek to retain the attractions within the Dome structure. [HL327]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The Government are in negotiation with Legacy plc as preferred bidder and under the competition rules are unable to treat with third parties. Work is currently under way to return those assets owned by third parties, including the Talk and Journey zones, which are wholly owned by BT and Ford respectively. Assets owned by NMEC will be subject to private treaty sale or public auction which is scheduled to take place at the Dome site from 27 February to 2 March 2001. The Government intend to ensure that nothing is sold at this auction or otherwise which would prejudice the Dome's future as a leisure attraction.