§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what cultural exchange programmes he is currently planning with the Greek Government; and if he will make a statement. [79696]
§ Mr. FatchettThe cultural exchange programme agreed with the Greek Government in 1998 provides a framework for the full range of artistic and cultural activity. We enjoy a dynamic bilateral partnership. For example, the next few months will see tours of Greece by British theatre and dance companies, and exhibitions and premieres of visual arts and music by Greek artists in the UK. Many of these events follow on from the "Britain and Greece" Festival in November and December 1998, devised and delivered by the British Council in Greece, and promoted by the British Embassy. The cultural components of this Festival included concerts, theatre, lectures, exhibitions, films and conferences. The Greek Prime Minister and other Government Ministers attended several events. Media coverage was strong, including 216 press articles on individual events and 70 on the general Festival, and 89 TV mentions across 7 channels.