§ Mr. GillTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the use of children to promote the United Kingdom presidency of the European Union; from which department the idea originated; and what factors determined the schools approached. [34000]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonOne aim of the UK Presidency of the EU is to bring Europe closer to young people. To this end, a design company retained by the FCO invited children, selected by them, to design the Presidency logo. We have also organised a competition, open to all 11–15 year olds in the UK, called "Ambassador for a Day". The UK Education Departments have organised the "Celebrating Europe" competition, open to all schools, colleges and youth groups. These projects aim to involve young people in the UK Presidency, not to use them to promote it.