§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much was spent on maintaining a British ambassador to UNESCO in each year since 1997. [178124]
§ Hilary BennThe figures in pound sterling are as follows:
£ Amount 1997 30,063 1998 190,773 1999 118,175 2000 120,626 2001 124,695 2002 128,853 2003 115,732 2004 58,575
§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what formal consultations the British ambassador to UNESCO has held with leading British museums, libraries and galleries in relation to the formation of international cultural policy in the last 12 months. [178125]
§ Hilary BennThe current British Ambassador to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has been in post for six months. During that time his main efforts have concentrated on re-establishing the UK National Commission for UNESCO which will have a role in advising Government on international cultural policy. The Commission will have representations from links with a wide cross-section of civil society, including museums, libraries and galleries. A temporary national committee has now been set up. The Ambassador has had discussions with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on international cultural policy, and informal discussions with a number of representatives of museums including on specific issues such as help for developing countries' heritage work.
§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what instructions he has issued to the British Ambassador to UNESCO in relation to the position of the United States Administration on the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. [178127]
1016W
§ Hilary BennNone. It is a matter for individual sovereign states to decide whether they will become a party to an international agreement. The Minister for Heritage, Lord McIntosh, announced on 14 May the UK's intention to ratify the Hague Convention.