§ Vernon CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made since 29 October in encouraging young people to vote; and if he will make a statement. [31166]
§ Mr. DenhamFurther to my answer on 8 January 2002,Official Report, column 710W, the Children and Young People's Unit are currently extending consultation with young people to test out and develop the initial views expressed at the event on 29 October. This involves regional consultation workshops which will take place during February, a survey of around 1,100 young people, and further opportunities to respond to the survey via the unit's website. A key theme that has emerged from early consultations is the role of the media, and some specific work with young people is planned to examine this in more depth. In addition the unit has established a network of external organisations to help promote the debate about youth disengagement from democracy. The unit continues to work closely with the Electoral Commission and the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions and it remains my intention to produce conclusions and recommendations for further action later this year.