To ask the Minister without Portfolio what independent advice he has taken in respect of the environmental impact of (a) the materials and (b) the method of construction identified for the millennium dome. [11878]

The New Millennium Experience Company, of which I am sole shareholder, has taken the advice of a wide range of organisations in the construction field. Specifically, the environmental consultant, Battle McCarthy, was commissioned to provide advice on the construction of the millennium dome, including its environmental impact. In preparing its report Battle McCarthy drew on the technical expertise of the dome's architects, the Richard Rogers Partnership, and the consulting engineers, Buro Happold.