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London Olympics Bill

I will pass on the thanks of the two hon. Gentlemen to my staff. Although there have been some disagreements, we have been able to resolve them in a fairly civilised way. I have no doubt that there will be votes on some of the politically contentious issues later this evening, but the Bill’s progress shows how the nation has got behind the Olympic bid. We were awarded the Olympics on 6 July, and hopefully we can get the Bill through Parliament by early next year, which shows the strength of cross-party support. The consultation process will be transparent and it will involve the Mayor’s office and the originators. Anyone who wants to raise an objection will be able to do so. On accountability, the elected authority is accountable to the ODA, the ODA is responsible to the Olympic board and the Olympic board is responsible to the Secretary of State and this House. On scrutiny, six Select Committees are currently considering different aspects of the Olympics, and I am appearing before the Scottish Affairs Committee tomorrow. I assure hon. Members that a lot of scrutiny is going on.