§ 33. Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Minister for the Arts what plans he has for the European arts festival; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RentonTo ask the Minister for the Arts, what plans he has for the European arts festival,—[Interruption]
The European arts festival, which I announced on 9 December will be a rewarding and imaginative way of celebrating our Presidency of the European Community in the second half of the year. Some £6 million is being made available to support a full programme of events across the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. GreenwayI thank my right hon. Friend for that doubly impressive answer. Will there be something for everybody, for people of all ages, in the European arts festival? Would not the festival be a good way to allow our citizens to improve their knowledge and understanding of European languages and culture?
§ Mr. RentonYes. I was so carried away by the wisdom of my hon. Friend's question that I found it necessary to repeat it.
It is hoped that the European arts festival will reach all parts of the community, schoolchildren included, and will bring a tradition of British art in the European context to all parts of the country, including Ealing, North.