NEC BIRMINGHAM BID TO STAGE THE UK MILLENNIUM EXHIBITION

That this House notes the national significance of the UK Millennium Exhibition (Millex) to be held throughout 2000; notes the central geographic location of the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, in the United Kingdom at the heart of the national transport network; recognises the substantial public investment already in the road, rail and air infrastructure to serve the United Kingdom's major events at the NEC; recognises the minimal environmental disruption of intense visitor activity at NEC; welcomes the boost to the regional and national economies through the development thereby of a larger permanent exhibition event, and conference facility to compete with the United Kingdom's European neighbours in the market for international events and exhibitions; welcomes the job creation opportunities for the region Millex represents, including an estimated 6,700 permanent full time equivalent after the close of Millex because of its European competitiveness; notes that the proposed NEC sites are available for immediate development; and therefore requests that Her Majesty's Government recognises the National Exhibition Centre as being ideally situated for this national Millennium Exhibition.