Celtic Heritage

HC Deb 24 June 1998 vol 314 cc1036-7

4. Mr. Andrew George (St. Ives)

If he will introduce measures to develop cultural links relating to Celtic heritage with (a) Scotland, (b) Cornwall, (c) Isle of Man, (d) Ireland and (e) Brittany. [45900]

The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Ron Davies)

Cultural links with other Celtic communities have already been developed by the Welsh Language Board, the National Eisteddfod of Wales, and the Arts Council of Wales. Wales takes part in the annual Celtic film festival, which I understand was held in Cornwall in 1997. Groups and artistes from Wales regularly attend a wide range of events in other Celtic countries.

Mr. George

I thank the Secretary of State for that answer. Does he agree that the British people support the setting up of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh assembly because they recognise that the celebration of the diversity of cultures, languages, religious groups, ethnicities and nations in the UK makes a positive contribution to the life and economy of these islands and is not a sinister move? Will the right hon. Gentleman seize this moment to act, and to advise his colleagues in the Cabinet that his Celtic cousins in Cornwall would very much appreciate collaboration—[Interruption.]

Madam Speaker

Order. This is a very long question. If the hon. Gentleman wants an Adjournment debate on this issue at some time, he has only to look my way. This is Question Time and we are only on question 4. Will the hon. Gentleman now put his final point to the Secretary of State? What is he asking him to do?

Mr. George

Will the Secretary of State collaborate with and support the distinct region of Cornwall?

Mr. Davies

It is obvious who speaks for Cornwall in this House.

Only a couple of weeks ago, I attended a conference in Cardiff with representatives of European minority languages. I will do all that I can to encourage the links to which the hon. Gentleman refers. I happen to believe that, if we are confident in our own identity in Wales, Scotland, Ireland and the other regions of Europe, we will be more at ease with other people's identity.