§ Sir Geoffrey FinsbergTo ask the Minister for the Arts what is the role of the Council of Europe in the spheres of arts and culture; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceThe Council of Europe has cultural co-operation as one of its agreed objectives. It brings the member states of the European Community into a wider framework of European countries, which all share the desire to maintain and enhance the European cultural dimension.
The council has appointed a standing council for cultural co-operation and its programme and direction in the field of culture are periodically discussed by the Ministers responsible for these matters. It promotes active involvement in cultural affairs by encouraging the appreciation of the European heritage and individual creativity.