§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on what date the £1 million sponsorship payment from the Hinduja foundation for the faith zone was received by the New Millennium Experience Company. [149220]
§ Janet Anderson[holding answer 6 February 2001]I understand from the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC), that the Hinduja Foundation first approached NMEC in February 1997 about the possibility of incorporating the "Concordia Project" into the Dome. This was to be an interactive visitor education centre focusing on the world's different cultures. The agreement between NMEC and the Hinduja Foundation governing its £1 million financial support for the Faith zone was signed on 16 February 1999. The first payment of £100,000 was paid on 25 February 1999; the second payment of £450,000 was paid on 18 May 1999 and the final amount of £450,000 was paid on 23 August 1999.