§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether, in accordance with procedures laid down in the Civil Service Department's guide on non-departmental public bodies, he has recently carried out a review to determine whether there is a continuing need for the Crafts Council and to assess its effectiveness; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether, in accordance with procedures laid down in the Civil Service Department's guide on non-departmental public bodies, he has recently carried out a review to determine whether there is a continuing need for the Arts Council and to assess its effectiveness; and if he will make a statement;
(3) whether, in accordance with procedures laid down in the Civil Service Department's guide on non-departmental public bodies, he has recently carried out a review to determine whether there is a continuing need for the National Film School and to assess its effectiveness; and if he will make a statement;
§ Mr. ChannonI am in regular touch with the work of these three bodies and discuss matters of policy and of special importance with their chairmen and chief officers as may be necessary. Officers of my Department serve as assessors on their governing bodies. I am certain that all three bodies provide excellent value in return for the public money spent on them. I also have a rolling programme of regular detailed reviews of the need for and functions of all the Arts bodies for which I am responsible, and these three bodies will be considered in their turn as part of that programme.