§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has to give early notification to local authorities planning their discretionary awards budgets of changes to methods of supporting students undertaking performing arts courses through lottery funds. [12426]
§ Mr. Sproat[holding answer 23 January 1997]: Plans for an interim scheme to help more students take up places at accredited dance and drama training schools in England were announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in October last year. The scheme will be administered by the Arts Council of England which is in the process of consulting on the details of its operation. As part of this consultation, a copy of the Arts Council's draft proposals has been sent to each local education authority. The Arts Council, in consultation with the Council for Local Education Authorities, hopes to be in a position to inform local education authorities of the final details of the scheme by the end of February.