§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
What the arrangements are for the launch in the United Kingdom of Thessaloniki as the European City of Culture 1997, and what contribution the United Kingdom is making through the European Union to the development of the ancient Macedonian treasure sites.
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§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of National Heritage (Lord Inglewood)The launch of Thessaloniki as the European City of Culture 1997 is a matter for the Greek authorities. The British Council is also planning a number of events in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki is expected to receive a substantial sum through the EU' s Kaleidoscope programme. Funding linked to the preservation and development of cultural heritage sites is intended to be available through the EU Raphael programme, and the pilot year of this programme is providing assistance towards work related to the Odeum in Thessaloniki.