§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when he last met his ministerial colleagues representing other member states of the European Community to discuss matters relating to the protection and development of minority and indigenous languages and cultures; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KeyNeither my right hon. Friend nor I have met European Community Culture Ministers specifically to discuss the position of lesser-used languages and minority cultures. I last met my EC ministerial colleagues in Brussels when I chaired the Culture Council on 12 November. Lesser-used languages were not on the agenda of that meeting, although mention of minority cultures was made during discussion of a Community-wide campaign to raise public awareness of books and reading which the Danish presidency intends to launch next year. Lesser-used languages and minority cultures were also mentioned, during wider discussions, when I attended a meeting of Culture Ministers under the aegis of the Council of Europe in Paris on 15 and 16 October.