§ Mr. MaudeTo ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will make a statement on the current state of plans to use the centre of the Millennium Experience Dome as a space for theatrical performances. [23231]
§ Mr. MandelsonThe content of the Dome will provide a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience for every visitor, on the theme that the millennium represents a "Time to Make a Difference". An integral part of this will be a central attraction which will provide an exciting multi-media event that can be shared by all who visit.
The centre of the Dome will be opened up to create a large, informal piazza with views across the Dome from every vantage point, utilising to the full the natural contours and scale of this impressive space. The New Millennium Experience Company are still developing and improving the design with the aim of ensuring that maximum resources go into the content rather than the internal structure of the Dome.
Earlier schemes involved creating an enclosed auditorium at the centre of the Dome, which would in effect have been a separate internal amphitheatre building. The revised plans will still offer people an uplifting central experience without the need for a large and costly central structure.
§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Minister without Portfolio what kind of outreach participation and by what medium will be available to(a) schools, (b) museums and galleries and (c) the general public from the Millennium Experience. [23709]
§ Mr. MandelsonThe New Millennium Experience Company is in the process of establishing 12 regional offices whose staff will be responsible for developing and implementing a broad range of events, activities and programmes under the Millennium Experience theme "Time to Make a Difference". They will directly involve schools, museums and galleries and other agencies and groups across the country and will offer opportunities for everyone in the UK to participate in the Millennium celebrations.
§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Minister without Portfolio, pursuant to his answer of 15 January 1998,Official Report, column 286, what role he envisages for Norfolk within the Millennium Experience national programme on the theme, time to make a difference. [25281]
§ Mr. MandelsonI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 15 January 1998,Official Report, column 286, to his previous question on this subject.
§ Mr. MaudeTo ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will list the shortlisted candidates for the Board of the New Millennium Experience Company. [25554]
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§ Mr. MandelsonA range of candidates were considered for the Board of the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC). All appointments have been announced; but to divulge the details of unsuccessful candidates would be a breach of confidentiality in respect of the individuals concerned.
§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will make a statement on the Millennium Experience national programme theme, Time to Make a Difference. [24823]
§ Mr. Mandelson[holding answer 23 January 1998]: The New Millennium Experience Company is currently finalising the comprehensive range of events, programmes and activities which will comprise the national programme of Millennium celebrations under the theme that the Millennium represents a "Time to Make a Difference". Details will be announced in the spring.
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§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Minister without Portfolio what is the theme and purpose of the Millennium Experience. [23714]
§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will issue a mission statement for the Millennium Experience. [24824]
§ Mr. MandelsonThe overarching theme of the Millennium Experience and its associated national programme of events and activities will be that the Millennium represents "Time to Make a Difference".
The Millennium Experience will create a focus for Millennium celebrations on a national scale and put the UK at the centre of world celebrations. The Experience will engage, inspire and involve the whole nation in a celebration of which it can be proud, and which will leave a lasting legacy.