§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans his Department has to commemorate the bicentenary of the death of Robert Burns in 1996; how he intends to involve Burns clubs throughout the world in marking the year, and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector MonroMy right hon. Friend has already campaigned successfully with others for the issue by the Royal Mail of a set of Burns commemorative postage stamps, and a number of bodies sponsored by the Scottish Office, such as the National library, museums and gallery and the Scottish tourist board, will play prominent roles in the staging and promotion of commemorative events in Scotland.
A registered charity, Burns Festival Ltd. has been set up to co-ordinate a year-long Burns international festival focused on the south-west of Scotland and a comprehensive programme of activities is in the final stages of preparation. The world-wide network of Burns 771W clubs will make their own arrangements for marking their special anniversary, as will groups such as the Burns Federation, which among other events is planning a week of celebrations in Dumfries in July 1996.