Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the extent of financial support for(a) Irish culture and (b) Scottish culture in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement about the development of both these cultures in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. AncramIn 1993–94 Government funds have contributed nearly £1.5 million, and EC structural funds £711,000, specifically towards activities promoting the appreciation of, and respect for, the diverse traditions which make up the cultural heritage of Northern Ireland. The complexity of Northern Ireland's cultural heritage makes it difficult to disaggregate this expenditure between those aspects which are of Irish, Scottish or other origin. More generally, education, arts and other departmental expenditure will contribute to the cultural life of Northern Ireland on many levels. Government aims to promote wider understanding and respect for all aspects of Northern Ireland's cultural heritage and to show that differences do not have to lead to division.