§ Mr. Edward DaveyTo ask the Minister without Portfolio how the eight year old consultant on the Millennium Dome was appointed; how many other applicants were considered; and what criteria were used for the appointment. [28027]
§ Mr. MandelsonI understand that Work, one of the eleven design companies contracted to the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) to develop the content of the Millennium Experience Dome, occasionally ask an eight year old boy to comment on their plans in order to gauge the level of their appeal to young people.
In the next few months, the NMEC have established its own network of Regional Junior Boards (in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the nine English regions) each comprising about twenty 9–16 year olds nominated by local education establishments and agencies. The intention is that one member of each Regional Junior Board, together with representatives from the major national youth organisations and agencies, will form a National Junior Board. These boards will ensure that advice and the views of young people on the Millennium Experience project are directly and regularly considered.