6 Prospects
146. The 2012 Games project has attracted controversy
in the last three months, with persistent media criticism and
fears of exposure to increases in costs as yet undefined. This
was inevitable at some point, although the current difficulties
have come about earlier than might have been expected.
147. Setting aside concerns over costs, there is,
however, no indication at this stage that the quality of the Games
experience will be anything less than outstanding. There is as
yet no outward sign of disharmony between major players; on the
contrary, we heard persuasive evidence of good working relations.[308]
The International Olympic Committee has repeatedly and publicly
expressed its confidence in the progress made so far.[309]
148. The Committee
notes the recent expressions of confidence by the International
Olympic Committee in the quality of work and planning and the
progress achieved in relation to timetable when compared with
previous host cities. We acknowledge the careful and thoughtful
approach taken so far and we endorse the decision by the ODA to
plan thoroughly before taking binding decisions. We strongly commend
LOCOG and the ODA for their achievements.
149. It is inevitable,
as has been the case with previous Games, that the Games will,
quite simply, cost the UK significantly more than the outline
cost in the original bid. It is vital that public confidence
in the project is maintained. An authoritative figure for final
overall cost, and details of how it is to be funded, are essential
if this is to be achieved.
308 Mr Higgins and Mr Deighton Q 2; also Q 4 (relationships
with the IOC); QQ 29-30 (relationships between the ODA and the
Olympic Lottery Distributor; Q 59, (relationships between the
Olympic Lottery Distributor on one hand and ODA and DCMS on the
other); also memorandum from Camelot, para 4.4., Ev 79 Back
309
Q 138; Host City News December 2005; DCMS memorandum Ev
55 Back
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