§ Annabelle EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has(a) received from and (b) made to the Scottish Executive concerning the London Olympic bid. [122523]
§ Tessa JowellI recently received representations from Frank McAveety, Scottish Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, concerning the London Olympic bid, in which he generally welcomed the bid and identified820W the need, which I endorse, to work together closely to maximise the benefits of the Olympics for the whole of the UK. Mr. McAveety also raised concerns about the potential impact of the Olympics on the Lottery in Scotland and I intend to respond to his letter shortly.
In January this year I discussed the London Olympic bid at Sports Cabinet, the body which brings together the four Home Country Ministers with responsibility for sport. At this meeting I outlined the key criteria on which the decision to support a London bid for 2012 would be based—affordability, deliverability, legacy and winnability.
DCMS officials have also had various discussions with their Scottish Executive counterparts and I am keen that in taking forward work on the Olympic bid there is a clear and open dialogue between my Department and the Devolved Administrations.