§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what the role of the right hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson) was in procuring and negotiating sponsorship deals for the Millennium Dome; and if he will make a statement; [147996]
(2) when the first discussions were held with the Hinduja brothers about sponsorship of the Millennium Dome Faith Zone by the Hinduja Foundation; and if he will make a statement. [148029]
§ Janet Anderson[holding answer 30 January 2001]: 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.
The then Minister without Portfolio was the shareholder of NMEC. In that role it was perfectly proper and reasonable that, as shareholder, he should meet sponsors and be kept fully informed of progress. However, the detailed negotiation of sponsorship arrangements was the responsibility of NMEC and individual sponsors.