§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Prime Minister what proposals he has to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Council of Europe. [56917]
§ The Prime MinisterWe intend to mark the 50th anniversary of the Council of Europe in London on 5 May 1999 with an evening reception in St. James's Palace where the Statute was signed. We shall invite key representatives of the Council of Europe from Strasbourg and from foreign Governments, as well as a broad range of people from UK organisations most closely involved in Council of Europe activities. My right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor will also be making a speech in the Palace of Westminster on the same day. We have separately invited Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede to chair the UK National Committee which will organise other events independently of Government.