§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will make a statement on the role of people aged 16 to 25 years in the millennium experience. [40812]
§ Mr. MandelsonThe Millennium Experience, incorporating the Dome and the national Challenge programme of events and activities around the country, will appeal to people of all ages, interests and backgrounds. There will be a number of opportunities available to young people. The project will create training and employment opportunities for people aged 16 to 15, both in terms of the Millennium Dome's operation and its central attraction, which will require performers with a range of skills. Education will also be central to the Experience as a whole, but particularly important in the context of the national Challenge initiative. The Company's regional Education Managers are working with local Further Education colleges to design courses linked to the Millennium Experience.