§ 38. Mr. Sackvilleasked the Minister for the Arts what initiatives he is taking in the European Economic Community to promote cultural co-operation.
§ Mr. LuceI shall be chairing a meeting of Ministers of Culture during the United Kingdom presidency and hope to put forward initiatives encouraging further cultural co-operation. In addition, my office is funding jointly with the Community a major symposium by the British Film Institute on "Film and Television: a European partnership", and I expect to have discussions with some of my opposite numbers in other member states.
§ Mr. SackvilleI am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that reply. Does he agree that such co-operation should be limited to cases in regard to which there is some practical benefit for the countries concerned?
§ Mr. LuceMy hon. Friend is right. Although it is healthy for Ministers of Culture of the European Community to meet and discuss areas of mutual interest, the matter is one principally for national Governments and there should be co-operation only when there is benefit to us all.