§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions he has had on the future of the Millennium Dome; and what estimate he has made of the effects on tourism in the area of the future use of the Dome site. [144912]
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§ Janet AndersonThe Government are currently in negotiation with Legacy plc, as preferred bidder for the Dome. If negotiations go well we hope to be in a position to exchange contracts in February. Legacy plc's proposals are for a high technology industrial campus or workspace, leisure and retail uses. No estimate has been made on the potential effects of Legacy plc proposals on tourism to the surrounding area.
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to protect the physical security of the contents of the Millennium Dome prior to the conclusion of its sale agreement. [145016]
§ Janet Anderson[holding answer 15 January 2001]: The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) has enhanced on-site security and has implemented comprehensive checking and authorisation procedures to ensure that any assets leaving the site have proper sign-off. This includes the establishment of an Asset Protection Team whose role is to oversee the movement, protection, secure storage and eventual disposal of assets whether owned by a third party or by NMEC. A special vehicle inspection bay has been created to screen all vehicles leaving the site and there is now only a single exit point from which vehicles can leave.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the successful bidder for the site will be forbidden to demolish the Millennium Dome. [145417]
§ Janet AndersonThe Millennium Dome is safeguarded for a minimum of 15 years, as specified in the Competition brief, and as previously agreed under terms negotiated with Nomura.