Written question asked by Peter Ainsworth (Conservative) on Wednesday, 6 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 December 2000. It was answered by Lord Smith of Finsbury (Labour) on Monday, 11 December 2000 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make a statement on the Government's support for a bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games, indicating where the opening and closing ceremonies would be held.

Answer: Mr. Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the Government's support for a bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games, indicating where the opening and closing ceremonies would be held. [141421] Mr. Chris Smith: The Government are committed to supporting a viable bid for the Olympic Games, but the British Olympic Association has primary responsibility for UK bids and has not yet taken a decision on whether to bid for 2012. The BOA has decided that a London-based bid would have the best chance of success and are due to report their conclusions of extensive studies on the viability of a bid to my Department by the end of the year. The location of opening and closing ceremonies will be a matter for the organising committee of any bid.

Secondary information