§ Mr. Lawlerasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the outcome of the European Youth Ministers' meeting in December.
§ Mr. DunnThis Council of Europe Conference, with the theme "Participation", was held at the invitation of the French Government in Strasbourg from 16 to 19 December. The United Kingdom delegation, which I led, included the current chairperson of the British Youth Council, and advisers from the Department's youth service unit and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools.
Ministers and delegations from all member countries attended, with representatives and observers present from some other countries, the European Commission and many international organisations, including a number of nongovernmental organisations representing young people in Europe. Discussions in formal sessions concerned the situation facing young people in Europe; the scope for increasing participation by young people in member 164W countries of the Council of Europe; and future cooperation at European level on youth matters. The conclusions of the conference have now been published by the Council of Europe and I am sending a copy to the hon. Member and placing further copies in the Library.