§ 17. Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on his recent discussion forum to promote a more effective use of information.
§ The Minister for the Arts (Mr. Paul Channon)On 13 May I held a discussion forum with representatives of some 40 leading organisations whose members make intensive use of information. My object was to give them a chance to talk about their needs and the pattern of information services they would like to see developing to meet them.
§ Mr. MurphyMay I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply and congratulate him on setting up the forum? Given the increasing value of information technology, does my right hon. Friend agree that it will become even more important for him to liaise closely with those who use information technology and the relevant Government Departments?
§ Mr. ChannonI entirely agree with my hon. Friend and am grateful to him for his remarks. We shall publish the forum's report as soon as possible and I hope that it will lead to further useful debate.
§ Mr. FreudWill the Minister look into the quality of the verbiage of arts information and, in particular, will he gear it towards potential rather than existing audiences?
§ Mr. ChannonThat is a slightly different question, but I will study what the hon. Gentleman has said to see whether I can do anything to help.
§ Mr. CormackDoes my right hon. Friend accept that it is a pity that he will not be able to invite to such forums the hon. Member for Warley, East (Mr. Faulds) in his former official capacity? Will my right hon. Friend express regret, as I do, that the hon. Gentleman's eccentric views on other subjects have deprived the arts of his services?
§ Mr. ChannonI am sure that we are all deeply depressed at the hon. Gentleman's departure from the arts scene, but I suspect that, nevertheless, we shall hear his contributions from time to time.
§ Mr. Fauldsindicated assent.