§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his estimate is of the cost to the British Council of funding arts events abroad in 2001 to support UK creative industries; and if he will make a statement. [99120]
§ Mr. MacShaneThe British Council expenditure on the arts and creative industries programme in Financial Year 2001–02 was £24.9 million, including £8.1 million of staff costs in the UK and overseas. This funding leveraged a further £27.2 million from partners, sponsors and other revenue sources.
§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the information given on page 91 of the FCO Departmental Report 2002, whether the event attended by Mr.Fidel Castro, including a performance by the Manic Street Preachers, was funded by his Department through the British Council; and if he will make a statement. [99121]
§ Mr. MacShane[holding answer 26 February 2003]: The costs of the concert were borne by the band and their record company, with the venue, local staffing, logistics and security provided by the Cuban Ministry of Culture and the Cuban Institute of Music. The British Council's role was to facilitate contact between the band and the Cuban authorities.