MudGuard, you are correct - bids are submitted by cities, in this case, London. They are (always?) made on the assertion that they are good for the country / nation at large and statistics are quoted to justify this. However, it is questionable how much is actually gained by anyone apart from a few politicians and celebrities (apart from the athletes of course who undoubtedly earn their places). As I have said, we already know that funding for the Arts will suffer desperately over the next few years so that the Olympics will be properly funded.

siân