Olympics delivery Authority has been gagging suppliers with draconian (and probably illegal) contracts which last 6 years -

Now here's some fascinating questions on a fascinating topic that were published today as Questions to the Minister for the Olympics (Tessa Jowell, married (2nd time) to crooked accountant Mr David Mills and now her only job and has lost her seat in Cabinet) in The House of Commons.
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N Alan Simpson (Nottingham South): To ask the Minister for the Olympics, what her assessment is of the extent to which Aggregate Industries Ltd is meeting the contractually stipulated target of delivering 99 % of aggregate materials to the Olympic Park by sustainable means. (250419)
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N Alan Simpson (Nottingham South): To ask the Minister for the Olympics, what proportion of materials delivered to the Olympic Park have adhered to the Olympic Delivery Authority's target of 95 % to be transported by sustainable methods. (250420)
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N Bob Spink (Castle Point): To ask the Minister for the Olympics, what her plans are for Hadleigh's fishing lakes and ponds in the context of preparation of the facilities for the Olympic mountain bike events. (251062)

The first two questions relate to the contract to supply materials by Aggregate Industries Ltd., the details of which can be found in the official announcement in May - http://www.london2012.com/news/media-releases/2008-05/key-materials-contract-boosts-sustainability-for-olympic-park.php

On bringng this to Stef's attention he kindly sent this http://www.nowpublic.com/sports/london-2012-olympic-authority-enforce-gagging-order

Further and better particulars have also appeared on the BBC "impartial" Online website today with the headline "Games firms sign 'gagging orders' ".

Apparently an investigation by BBC London has discovered that for at least 6 months companies building facilities for the £ 9.6 Bn. 2012 London Olympics are being forced to sign "draconian" gagging orders (which the BBC has seen) prevent suppliers talking publicly about all details of the work to anybody for any reason for six years.

The document also warns firms they must "reimburse the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) for any costs or liabilities" arising from any breach of contract including all legal costs.

Should the ODA suspect a leak they can search a firm's premises and emails.

Read Adrian's Olympic blog where he reminds us that when he was one of the squillions of BBC staff swanning about Beijing at taxpayers expense with the Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell in November 2007, he heard her telling the Chinese about the importance of freedom of speech around their Games last summer.

Those further interested about contract law and onerous and unusual terms might usefully read Case: Cubitt Building and Interiors Limited v Richardson Roofing (Industrial) Limited [2008] EWHC 1020 (TCC)

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Limited is a company registered in England and Wales, with its registered office at One Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5LN and registered number 05267819.

This just is a seamless follow up to ..." Blair's bribing of IOC voting members - Deeper, darker, dirtier deeds are the subject that swell around what Tony Blair got up to sequestered in his Raffles City convention complex in Singapore as the IOC members (64 of the 100 IOC members met and jollied with Tony and Cherie in those 48 hours) relentlessly filed in and wreathed in smiles and bonhomie, filed out." see post Tuesday, April 08, 2008 Olympic Scandals - Andrew Jennings and the secrets of the IOC - Amazing Pictures !!!