DEADLINE FOR NATIONAL STADIUM

Early day motion 1219, tabled 30 April 2002 by Lord Watson of Wyre Forest (Labour). Signed by 24 members.

That this House notes the 30th April as the deadline for Wembley's bid to finalise its funding plans for a national stadium; further notes the comments by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to this House on 19th December 2001 that should final proposals that represent fully committed funding, final design, cost and procurement details... not to be delivered within a reasonable time scale, Birmingham should be considered as the alternative; believes that Birmingham's bid remains ready to go, has a sound financial basis and strong business plan, represents value for money with no Lottery funding required, is the choice of two-thirds of football fans and has the backing of the NEC Group's world class venue management expertise; believes also that our national stadium should be built in a region that delivers major projects on schedule and on budget; and calls on the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to uphold the 30th April deadline and make an urgent statement to this House on the long term viability and financial basis of Wembley's bid.

Signatures by party: Labour 15, Conservative 3, Labour/Co-operative 3, Liberal Democrat 3.