News Release

26th July 2002

FURTHER INQUIRY INTO WEMBLEY FIASCO?

Michael Fabricant has obtained a commitment from the powerful Commons Culture Media and Sport Committee to investigate Wembley and the chances of a National Stadium being built in the west midlands if Wembley fails to raise the money it needs to build the stadium there. Michael, a member of the Committee, first exposed the secret deal, "the staging agreement", which would have prevented any stadium being built in Birmingham or Coventry despite the Secretary of State, Tessa Jowell, and the Minister for Sport, Dick Caborn, encouraging the two cities to prepare detailed proposals at a cost of around £1 million.

Michael says: "Currently, WDL Bank based in Germany are negotiating with Wembley to provide the funds. But as of today, still no contract has been signed and no money has been transferred. If the deal is not done by mid October, the Committee will investigate what has gone wrong and I will be pressing ministers to ensure the west midlands are allowed to bid. Having just returned from the Opening Night spectacle of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, it is clear that London does not have the monopoly in knowing how to stage major events. The west midlands must be allowed a fair chance this time if the Wembley deal falls through".

Meanwhile, the Culture, Media and Sport Committee has agreed to two new inquiries for October-December 2002. Terms of reference are set out below.

A. National museums To examine the impact and implications of free admission to national museums, and other relevant policies, with specific reference to the British Museum and the Natural History Museum.

B. Tourism after September 11th To examine the current state of the British tourism industry and current Government policy towards the sector, including the administrative and supportive infrastructure and any relevant initiatives or proposals for change. The inquiry will follow-up the report of the previous Committee into tourism and foot and mouth disease.

Michael Fabricant says "I would particularly welcome submissions to be sent from Staffordshire and the rest of the west midlands. The area is often overlooked".

Particular questions:
1) What is the current and likely future performance of the British tourist industry following foot and mouth disease and the events in New York on September 11th 2001?
2) Does Government have a role in promoting and/or supporting the industry?
3) What should that role be?
4) Do current arrangements for supporting, promoting and/or regulating the industry:
- meet the need adequately;
- reflect the devolution settlement appropriately;
- promote the quality of provision effectively; and
- encourage productivity within the industry?

Submissions to the Committee on either of these topics are invited from interested individuals and organisations by 7 October 2002. Where possible submissions should be made by e-mail with an accompanying letter by post. It is very helpful if evidence is submitted in a simple Word format (avoiding graphics and logos where possible) via email to cmscom@parliament.uk. The accompanying letter should be sent by post to the Clerk of the Committee, 7 Millbank, London, SW1P 3JA. A guide for the form of written evidence can be found on the Parliamentary website: http://www.parliament.uk/commons/selcom/witguide.htm