§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what action he is taking to seek to ensure the continuation of the tradition of civilian brass bands.
§ Mr. SproatI am keen to find ways to encourage and help civilian brass bands to flourish. I regard such bands as an important element in our British cultural traditions.
I have recently received a number of representations about difficulties confronting some of our most prestigious brass bands. I am aware of the wider economic and social factors that might have contributed to specific instances of difficulty; for example, for colliery bands.
I am also keen to see the brass band tradition strengthened in schools. I shall be raising these subjects with other Government Departments. In order to gain a better understanding of the position from an arts funding perspective, and of the current state of the brass band movement, I am consulting the Arts Council and the British Federation of Brass Bands.