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Written Answers to Questions
Monday 27 October 1997
CABINET OFFICE
Millennium Dome
Mr. Yeo: To ask the Minister without Portfolio how long the millennium dome will remain in place. [12597]
Mr. Mandelson: The millennium experience dome will have a greatly enhanced lifespan following the decision to use PTFE-coated glass fibre for the roof. The Government are now considering its potential long-term uses.
Mr. Yeo: To ask the Minister without Portfolio (1) what representations he has received about the use of PVC in the millennium dome; [12737]
- (2) what additives the PVC coating of the millennium dome will contain. [12739]
(3) what discussions have taken place with the European Commission about the use of PVC for the coating of the millennium dome; [12598]
(4) what evidence he has evaluated on PVC as an environmentally suitable material for use in coating the millennium dome; [12596]
(5) what examination has been carried out of the restrictions on the use of PVC in other European countries; [12595]
(6) where the PVC coating of the millennium dome will be manufactured. [12738]
Mr. Mandelson: On 22 August 1997, the New Millennium Experience Company--NMEC--announced its decision to change the roofing material of the Millennium Experience dome from PVC-coated polyester to PTFE-coated glass fibre. The reason for the change was to give the dome a greatly enhanced lifespan, thereby assisting delivery of the Government's aim to ensure an enduring legacy from the millennium experience. The extra longevity and durability of the dome's roof covering as a result of the change to PTFE-coated glass fibre will increase significantly the legacy options which can be considered.
As part of its earlier considerations about PVC-coated polyester, the NMEC required a full environmental review, taking account of all available information in the UK, Europe and elsewhere, of the material's manufacture and disposal. The NMEC was satisfied that the material met all UK and EU environmental requirements. The company had no discussions with the European Commission but did receive representations about the use and safety of PCV from members of the public, from environmental groups including Greenpeace, and from companies involved in the chemical industry. PTFE-coated glass fibre, which is widely used across the world on large tensile roof structures, does not contain plasticising additives and also meets all UK and EU environmental requirements.
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Treaty of Amsterdam
Mr. Mitchell: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will assess the implications for the legal system of the United Kingdom of ratification of the treaty of Amsterdam, with particular reference to likely changes in court and legal procedures. [12812]
Mr. Hoon: Ratification of the Treaty of Amsterdam will not affect court procedures in the United Kingdom. Under the treaty, civil judicial co-operation is transferred to the Community pillar, but it will not involve the United Kingdom unless we specifically choose to opt into a particular measure or measures.
European Human Rights Convention
Mr. Mitchell: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the effect on (a) legal precedents, (b) procedures and (c) the operation of the common law in the United Kingdom of (i) the adoption of the European convention on human rights by the Parliament of the United Kingdom and (ii) the coming into force of the treaty of Amsterdam; and if he will make a statement. [12839]
Mr. Hoon: I have set out our proposals on the incorporation of the European convention on human rights into United Kingdom law in the White Paper, "Rights Brought Home," published on 24 October. The White Paper explains the provisions of the Human Rights Bill introduced in another place on 23 October. As regards the treaty of Amsterdam, I refer the hon. Member to my answer to question No. 198N, UIN 12812.
Gazumping
Mr. Hinchliffe: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what action he is taking to combat gazumping. [12495]
Mr. Hoon: A number of Government Departments are co-operating closely to investigate the whole of the house buying process. My own Department is concentrating on the problem of gazumping with the help of the various institutions whose members provide professional services in the housing market. The various strands of work are being co-ordinated by a ministerial working group comprising Ms Hilary Armstrong, Minister for Local Government Housing, Mr. Nigel Griffiths, Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs, myself as Chairman and key officials from our Departments.
CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT
Tourism
Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the (a) total number of people employed in the United Kingdom tourism industry and (b) financial contribution to the United Kingdom economy of the tourism industry. [12525]
Mr. Tom Clarke:
The latest available figures show that there are around 1.7 million people employed in tourism-related industries in Great Britain. The revenue
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generated by tourism in the United Kingdom is estimated to be £40 billion for 1996. This is equivalent to approximately 5 per cent. of gross domestic product.
Mr. Hoyle:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans his Department has to develop a strategy for further development of the United Kingdom tourism industry. [12519]
Mr. Clarke:
The Government believe that the further development of tourism can best be achieved by working in full partnership with the industry, local authorities, tourist boards and others. On 10 October we therefore announced an expanded role for the Tourism Forum and the creation of a new forum working group on strategic planning.
Mr. Hanson:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the number of households in Wales which can receive (a) HTV, (b) BBC Wales transmissions and (c) both. [12548]
Mr. Fisher:
Responsibility for the transmission arrangements for television services in the United Kingdom rest with the BBC and the Independent Television Commission. I have been advised that, at present, 98.3 per cent. of the population of Wales has access to television signals from a Welsh transmitter, an English transmitter, or both, which constitute a technically adequate service according to the technical standards agreed by the broadcasters. A total of 96.8 per cent. of the population of Wales can receive HTV, 97.2 per cent. BBC1 Wales and 96.8 per cent. can receive both services.
Mr. Edward Davey:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what estimate he has made of the number of voluntary-managed tennis clubs in England and Wales; [12708]
Mr. Banks:
My Department has made no estimate of the number of voluntary-managed tennis clubs in England and Wales or the type of tenure they might have. However, I am pleased that the Lawn Tennis Association is carrying out a comprehensive survey which should address these issues. The results will be available next year.
Mr. Todd:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list each of the functions relating to payment for goods or services supplied for which his Department is responsible indicating the management systems purchased, all subcontractors involved in the work, co-operative arrangements with other Departments; and the costs of the systems and processes in the last year for which figures are available. [12565]
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Mr. Tom Clarke:
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has purchased the Integra Accounting package from GC McKeown Ltd. to perform the processing of payments for goods and services.
(2) what estimate he has made of the percentage of voluntary-managed tennis clubs in England and Wales which are tenants of (a) local authorities, (b) private landowners and (c) public companies. [12709]
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