HC Deb 31 October 2002 vol 391 cc885-6W
Mr. Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what commitment she has received from the Mayor of London to provide support for the staging of the 2012 Olympics in London; [78565]

(2) if she will publish the Ove Arup report on the likely cost of a bid to stage the 2012 Olympics; [78566]

(3) what commitment she has received from the Chancellor of the Exchequer to provide public funds to support the staging of the 2012 Olympics in London. [78564]

Mr. Caborn

The summary of the Arup report on the costs and benefits of bidding for and staging an Olympic games in London 2012 will be published on 1 November 2002. Copies will be deposited in the Libraries of both Houses.

The report estimates the cost of staging the Olympic games at £2 billion and the cost of bidding at £13 million. We have learnt that the risk associated with hosting an event of the magnitude of the Olympic games is significant and it is our responsibility to the tax payer that this risk is properly assessed.

All stakeholders and relevant Government Departments, including the GLA and the Treasury, are analysing this report and the Government will give careful consideration to the costs, benefits and risks involved before we announce our decision on whether to support a bid to host the games in 2012. We aim to make that decision by the end of the year.

John McDonnell

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she expects to publish the ARUP report on the costs and benefits of staging the 2012 Olympic games in London; and if she will make a statement. [79204]

Mr. Caborn

The summary of the Arup report on the costs and benefits of bidding for and staging an Olympic games in London 2012 will be published on 1 November 2002. Copies will be deposited in the Libraries of both Houses.

This report has been commissioned jointly by my Department, the London Development Agency, the British Olympic Association and UK Sport.

The report estimates the cost of staging the Olympic games at £2 billion, and the cost of bidding at £13 million. We have learnt that the risk associated with hosting an event of the magnitude of the Olympic games is significant and it is our responsibility to the tax payer that this risk is properly assessed.

All stakeholders and relevant Government Departments are currently analysing this report and the Government will give careful consideration to the costs, benefits and risks involved before we announce our decision on whether to support a bid to host the games in 2012. We aim to make that decision by the end of the year.