To ask the Minister for the Olympics whether ballot arrangements for tickets for events in the London 2012 Olympics will prioritise allocations to (a) UK taxpayers and (b) UK residents; what obligations there are upon the organisers in respect of EU citizens and ballot arrangements; by what mechanism priority in ticket allocation will be given to those who have provided funding for the Games; and if she will make a statement. (324992)

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Ltd. (LOCOG) is responsible for ticketing for the London 2012 games. LOCOG’s ticketing plan will ensure that it raises the funds to stage the games and that it provides affordable and accessible tickets to deliver full venues.

Under EU competition law, LOCOG must ensure that all EU citizens, including UK residents, are given fair and equitable opportunities to purchase London 2012 tickets.

LOCOG has committed to making 75 per cent. of London 2012 tickets available via a public ballot process. The ballot will be open to all residents of the EU but LOCOG’s promotional work around ticketing will be focused on the UK. LOCOG has already launched ‘Sign-Up’ encouraging all UK residents to register their details to receive information on ticket opportunities in advance of tickets going on sale in 2011. I hope all Members of the House will encourage their constituents to sign up to receive this information and to enter the ballot in 2011.