Written question asked by Baroness Hoey (Labour) on Monday, 23 May 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 May 2005. It was answered by Baroness Jowell (Labour) on Monday, 6 June 2005 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

London Eye

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether she has been informed that (a) the South Bank Centre's vice chairman is employed by solicitors Herbert Smith and (b) that solicitors Herbert Smith were employed by South Bank Centre in its lease negotiations with the London Eye; and what assessment she had made of whether a conflict of interest existed.

Answer: My right hon. Friend Chris Smith who was Secretary of State at the time was aware at the time of his appointment to the South Bank board in June 1999 that Edward Walker-Arnott was then Senior Partner of Herbert Smith, one of the law firms used by South Bank Centre (SBC). Herbert Smith have been retained by SBC since 1994. Edward Walker-Arnott has now retired from the partnership and is a part-time consultant.I am confident that SBC and Mr. Walker-Arnott have been careful to avoid any conflict arising: in particular the decision as to which solicitors to retain on any particular matter is made by the executive team at the SBC and not by the board or any board member.

Secondary information