§ 56. Mr. John EvansTo ask the Minister for the Arts what initiatives are planned by his Department to promote greater appreciation of the links between the arts and British economic history.
§ Mr. LuceThe collections in our museums and galleries and the work of artists, both living and dead, are influenced by the social and historical contexts in which they were created, and may be used to illustrate many aspects of British history. Their contemporary interpretation is a matter for individual institutions or artists.
§ 58. Mr. ButlerTo ask the Minister for the Arts whether his Office has any plans for an arts festival to celebrate the year 2000.
§ Mr. LuceI am sure that the nation will want to celebrate the year in some special way, but I have not yet embarked on detailed discussions with the arts world.