§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will initiate consultations upon the proposals made by the Arts Council of England to wind up the regional arts boards prior to their implementation; and if he will make a statement. [157988]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State was consulted personally by the Chairman and the Chief Executive of the Arts Council prior to the announcement of the proposed changes, and the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions was also informed. The development of the proposals will involve 547W further consultation with colleagues and stakeholders, and the views of the Regional Arts Boards themselves are being sought and will be considered closely.