§ 21. Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has to fund further public readings of English poetry. [7615]
§ Mr. SproatThe Arts Council of England and the regional arts boards will spend nearly £3 million on literary activity this year, including supporting organisations which give public poetry readings. In addition, my right hon. Friend has announced the establishment of the national reading initiative to encourage more children to read more books, and the advisory panel will be advising on ways to take the scheme forward. This may include public readings of literature, inlcuding poetry.