Written question asked by Roger Casale (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 May 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 May 2000. It was answered by Lord Howarth of Newport (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 May 2000 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: Statement on the outcome of the Culture Council held in Brussels on 16th May; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Casale: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what was the outcome of the Culture Council held in Brussels on 16 May; and if he will make a statement. [122767] Mr. Alan Howarth: I represented the United Kingdom at the EU Culture Council on 16 May. The Council held a useful exchange of views on the objectives and proposed approach to the MEDIA PLUS programme, the aim of which will be to strengthen the competitiveness of the European audiovisual industry. The Council and the member states adopted Conclusions on principles and guidelines for the Community's audiovisual policy in the digital age. The Council also adopted a Resolution on the conservation and enhancement of the European cinema heritage. The Portuguese Presidency presented a report on cultural diversity in the new international environment and on a recent seminar on digital radio, as well as Presidency conclusions on the value of cultural statistics. The French and Portuguese delegations informed the Council of their nominees to serve on the selection panel for the European Capital of Culture 2005. In the margins of the meeting I had useful discussions with the new French Minister of Culture, in advance of the forthcoming French Presidency of the EU, and with Commissioner Reding.

Secondary information