Greenwich in 1997... ... and in the Millennium?

Doubts over Millennium Exhibition Linger

As pressure grows on the Government to "dump the dome," the centrepiece of the exhibition, both Downing Street and the Department of National Heritage have refused to confirm that a statement was imminent.

A Downing Street spokesman said the matter was "not formally" on the agenda for today's Cabinet meeting.

"The Prime Minister will take a decision with colleagues whenever he sees fit," he said.

Escalating Costs

"We said in Opposition that in principle we thought there were potential benefits to Britain of a big event that put Britain firmly on the world map at an important time and coincided by what we trust by then will be the sense that Britain is the place to be," he said.

"But we also said that any specific project had to be viable and that we would review that project when we got into government," added the spokesman.

Mr Smith has promised a decision today. "There are obviously issues to be weighed up, for and against," he said.

Future Imperfect?

"We are looking very carefully at the costs, of whether the exhibition can be mounted within the budget which has already been agreed and those sort of issues," he said.

The Millennium Project is facing increasing criticism from inside and outside Westminster. Ten Labour MPs have put down an Early Day Motion in the Commons demanding that the plans should be scrapped.

The environmental organisation Greenpeace has joined the chorus of disapproval. Greenpeace called for dumping the dome, saying the project would "represent some of the most miserable aspects of modern society."

Greenpeace alleged that plans to use PVC coated polyester in the structure were a threat to the environment, with PVC being the main source of dioxin, one of the most toxic human-made substances known. Greenpeace executive director Lord Melchett warned that Greenwich would be left with a "throw away structure" with no obvious use.

Supporters argue the Exhibition will be the highlight of European-wide Millennium celebrations, and will be funded by Lottery cash and private sponsorship, not tax payers money.