§ 6. Kevin Brennan (Cardiff, West)What recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues and the First Secretary about Cardiff's bid to be European capital of culture 2008. [44151]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Don Touhig)I have regular meetings with ministerial colleagues and the First Minister to discuss a range of issues, including Cardiff's capital of culture bid.
§ Kevin BrennanIf, by any chance, in the near future, my hon. Friend sees the Prime Minister—[interruption.] Oh, here he comes! Will he draw to his attention the excellent bid that was submitted last week by Cardiff to be the European city of culture in 2008? Will he also note the total support across Wales, with one or two small exceptions, for that bid?
§ Mr. TouhigMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has just entered the Chamber, and I have no doubt that he is aware of the issue that my hon. Friend raises. Cardiff is a vibrant and exciting city in which to live and work, and I am constantly impressed by its vitality. It is a commercial, cultural and learning centre, and a major centre for the arts. I can do nothing better than to echo the comments made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales at the Welsh Grand Committee last November—in answer, I think, to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, West (Kevin Brennan)—when he said that he was backing Cardiff's bid to become the European capital of culture. I hope that all Welsh Members will do that, as it would benefit Cardiff and Wales.