§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Prime Minister on what date(a) discussions first took place between a Minister and the Hinduja brothers, (b) correspondence was sent by a minister and (c) correspondence was received by a minister concerning the possible sponsoring of the Faith Zone in the Millennium Dome by the Hinduja Brothers; and if he will make a statement. [147176]
§ The Prime Minister[pursuant to his reply, 29 January 2001, c. 70W]: Owing to an administrative error the answer printed in Hansard gives the same answer to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) (UIN 147176) and the hon. Member for Aylesbury (Mr. Lidington) (UIN 147718). The answer given only related to the question from the hon. Member for Aylesbury. My office informed the hon. Member for Lewes of the error and a substantive reply to his question is given below.
It was the responsibility of the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC), as the operator of the Dome, to negotiate and secure sponsorship for the Dome.
I understand from 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.
On 24 February 1998, together with several other Ministers, I launched the public appeal for sponsorship at a televised public event at which the Hinduja Foundation, among many other companies and organisations, were present. At the launch they reiterated their desire to be involved in the Millennium project.
They then wrote to me on 25 February 1998 and the Minister without Portfolio on 26 February 1998. Further negotiations were conducted by NMEC.
On 3 June 1999 NMEC announced that the Faith Zone would receive £4 million in sponsorship—£2 million from the Laing Family Trusts (Christian charitable foundations); £1 million from the Hinduja Foundation and £1 million from other Christian trusts including the Jerusalem trust.
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§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Prime Minister when, and by whom, he was first informed of the possibility that the Hindujas might provide sponsorship for the Millennium Dome; and if he will make a statement. [148095]
§ The Prime MinisterI refer the right hon. Member to the answer I have given today to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker).
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryTo ask the Prime Minister if he will invite the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis to investigate the activities of the Hinduja brothers under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1906 in relation to their passport applications; and if he will make a statement. [148098]
§ The Prime MinisterNo. I have set up an inquiry.
§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Prime Minister what gifts have been received since 2 May 1997 from the Hindujas by(a) Ministers and (b) other persons representing the Government. [148067]
§ The Prime MinisterThe rules on the acceptance of gifts by Ministers and civil servants are set out in the "Ministerial Code" and "Departmental Handbooks". Details of gifts received by Ministers and civil servants are not held centrally.
§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Prime Minister which officials in his office have(a) been contacted by and (b) contacted (i) Mr. G. P. Hinduja and (ii) Mr. S. P. Hinduja since 2 May 1997; if he will list the occasions on which there was such contact; and if he will make a statement. [148075]
§ The Prime MinisterIt is not the normal practice of the Government to release details of meetings or discussions with private individuals or companies.
§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Prime Minister on what occasions since 2 May 1997 he has met(a) Mr. G. P. Hinduja and (b) Mr. S. P. Hinduja; and if he will make a statement. [148069]
§ The Prime MinisterIt is public knowledge that I have met members of the Hinduja family. Subject to that it is not the normal practice of Government to release details of meetings with private individuals or companies.
§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Prime Minister on how many occasions since 2 May 1997 he has discussed matters relating to the Hinduja brothers with(a) the right hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson), (b) the right hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr. Straw), (c) the hon. Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz), (d) the hon. Member for North Warwickshire (Mr. O'Brien), (e) other Ministers. [148068]
§ The Prime MinisterA central record is not maintained of each and every conversation that I have with Ministerial colleagues.
§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Prime Minister when, and by whom, he was first informed of the citizenship applications submitted by(a) Mr. G. P. Hinduja on 5 March 1997 and (b) Mr. S. P. Hinduja on 20 October 1998; and if he will make a statement. [148092]
§ The Prime MinisterApplications for citizenship are a matter for the Home Office.
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