• Question by: John Biggs
• Meeting date: 16 November 2005

Just to follow up momentarily, would you also agree then that it is the most natural thing in the world for businesses to be anxious at a time like this; to try to exact the best possible deal they can ; to parade some of their anxieties in public which the public bodies cannot really do in the same way and that those interests and rights are perfectly respected, but what we do need to do is make sure at the edges of what is going on in the Olympic area, the temptation to massive land speculation which would effectively...

• Question by: Angie Bray
• Meeting date: 16 November 2005

Well over nine in West Ealing alone are earmarked for demolition. I can give the numbers of each property.

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 16 November 2005

I know that you are a noted sportsman and would regard golf as being one of the keynote sports in this country. What do you think, then, of a power station being located on the fairway of one of the particular golf courses in this area?

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 16 November 2005

However, you accept that you cannot move school playing fields and you cannot move a golf course lock stock and barrel?

• Question by: Geoff Pope
• Meeting date: 16 November 2005

You must be aware that the Department for Transport is getting ever more sceptical about tram projects generally, and it is quite likely you might have some difficulty getting the finance agreed in the next spending review. I note that the projected cost has gone up by 50% in the latest estimate and now shows £650 million for this scheme. Are you in any way going to look at an alternative, cheaper approach, which would be to use a modern electric trolley bus which many estimates suggest would cost only a quarter of this; would in many ways be more...

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 16 November 2005

It would become a natural obstacle, no doubt. What about a power station on a school playing field, which would prevent children from participating in school sports?

• Question by: Angie Bray
• Meeting date: 16 November 2005

I think the last time you were asked a question about the West London tram your answer basically said that in all, only nine buildings were likely to be demolished along the route. Therefore, what do you say to reports in the Ealing Times that well more than nine buildings just in West Ealing alone are earmarked for demolition?

• Question by: Angie Bray
• Meeting date: 16 November 2005

I accept that, but is it not a little misleading to try to put the best possible case forward by saying only nine when in fact the real answer is that who knows how many it will be?

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 16 November 2005

Can you say whether the wards will be combined to create a neighbourhood or whether it will be ward-specific?

• Question by: Mike Tuffrey
• Meeting date: 16 November 2005

So would we, but perhaps the most significant thing you have said this morning is the acceptance that the Council Tax has reached its practical limit. Does that not in fact mean that all your commitments in your manifesto ' indeed your entire second term ' are now dependent on Gordon Brown (Chancellor of the Exchequer)?