§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list for each departmental policy review presently in progress or scheduled,(a) a description of the purpose of the review and (b) its expected date of completion. [10185]
§ Mr. Tom Clarke[holding answer 22 July 1997]: In common with all other Departments, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is undertaking a comprehensive spending review which will look across the whole Department at its aims, objectives and spending priorities. That review is expected to be complete by spring 1998.
The Department is conducting a separate review of film policy, which will explore how to maximise the cultural and economic contribution of the British film industry and is expected to report in February. A review of the national lottery instigated in May has led to the publication, on 21 July, of "The People's Lottery" White Paper. That says that the Director-General of Oflot will be asked to review existing licence application procedures in the light of responses to the White Paper.