§ 10. Mr. FitzpatrickTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his assessment is of the contribution of creative industries to the cultural and economic performance of the UK. [158146]
482W
§ Janet AndersonThe creative industries in the UK generate revenues of around £112.5 billion and employ some 1.3 million people. Exports contribute around £10.3 billion to the balance of trade, and the industries account for over 5 per cent. of GDP. In 1997–98, output grew by 16 per cent., compared with under 6 per cent. for the economy as a whole.
§ 23. Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement about his Department's support for the UK's creative industries. [158162]
§ Janet AndersonWe published in March a new Creative Industries Mapping Document which estimates the industries generate around £112.5 billion in revenue, contribute some £10.2 billion in export earnings, employ 1.3 million people, and account for over 5 per cent. of GDP.
My Department has sought to co-ordinate efforts across Government in support of the creative industries. Through the efforts of the Creative Industries Task Force, we have investigated generic issues which impact on the creative industries, and recommend changes in areas such as skills and training, finance for creative ventures, intellectual property rights and export promotion. These changes have resulted in better careers guidance on the creative industries; more efforts at regional level to provide appropriate finance for creative businesses; improved information services on intellectual property for creators, users and the general public; and a more streamlined and focused range of support for exporters.