§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many copies of the guide to the European arts festival have been printed; what are the actual costs of its preparation, printing and distribution, respectively; and what steps were taken by Her Majesty's Government to encourage or assist in promoting the events listed therein.
§ Mr. MellorMore than I million copies of the festival programme have been printed and are being distributed throughout the country. Design and other preparatory costs were £14,000; printing, £98,000; and distribution, £41,000.
My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, ministerial colleagues and I were present at the launch of the festival on 1 July. We look forward to attending a number of events during the festival. We will take every opportunity to draw attention to this rich and varied programme that should appeal to everyone. I have written to all Members of both Houses enclosing a copy of the programme.
My Department continues to work closely with the festival director in promoting the festival overall. The promotion of individual events rests mainly with the local organisers, with the full support of the festival team.