HC Deb 26 March 2001 vol 365 cc473-4W
23. Mr. Paterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the future of the Millennium Dome. [153885]

Janet Anderson

The Government are currently conducting market testing prior to launching a new competition. Details of the timetable and process for that competition will be announced as soon as possible after market testing is complete.

Mr. Fabricant

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the cost of maintaining the Dome at Greenwich. [153876]

Janet Anderson

Following decommissioning it is estimated that the running costs of the Dome will be up to –500,000 per month.

Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if the sponsorship of the Millennium Dome falls within the Guidance on Sponsorship of Government Activities and Events; [153326]

(2) if he will investigate the sponsorship of the Millennium Dome in relation to the Guidance on Sponsorship of Government Activities and Events [153312]

Janet Anderson

[holding answer 21 March 2001]Responsibility for negotiating and securing sponsorship rested with the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC), an executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB). As an NDPB, the NMEC is bound by specific rules and guidance on regularity and propriety in the stewardship of public funds in line with the principles set out in the sponsorship guidance.