Written question asked by Peter Bottomley (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 November 1996. It was answered by Lord Deben (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 November 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What plans he has to call in the Millennium Wheel planning application.

Answer: Mr. Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to call in the millennium wheel planning application. [5545] Mr. Gummer: I have no plans to call in the application for the millennium wheel. The wheel is an inspired idea and an imaginative way to mark the millennium, providing unparalleled, once in a lifetime views of the heart of the capital. It has caught people's imaginations and created a sense of excitement about the millennium, not least among children. It will be a boost to the economy of the south bank and will bring visitors and new life to this important stretch of the River Thames. Lambeth has consulted widely. I have no reason to believe it has not considered the application thoroughly and taken into account the range of opinion held on the wheel. I am satisfied that it will not be a permanent feature and to ensure that, I have today issued directions to the council to inform me of any future applications affecting the site of the wheel.

Secondary information