Sorry: Falconer

The minister responsible for the millennium dome has apologised after misleading the House of Lords.

Lord Falconer of Thoroton told peers that he had made remarks which were "technically incorrect" in relation to the solvency of the dome firm The New Millennium Experience Company.

Since his initial remarks were made, it has emerged that NMEC was trading insolvently in the period after September 5 last year. He said he had been wrong in stating that the firm had never been insolvent.

The minister told peers that he had not intentionally misled the house with his remarks. Apologising to the chamber, he said he was seeking to "put the matter straight".