London Olympics Bill

My hon. Friend is absolutely right and it is for that reason that we have on the face of the Bill given regional development authorities a responsibility in this respect, which would by implication extend not just to bidding for contracts but to seeking to maximise the tourism benefits of the Olympic games to their region. This is all part of the intention to ensure that the whole UK benefits from the games; obviously the games will have the greatest economic impact in London but we hope that by purposeful policies, starting early, we can spread those benefits throughout the UK.