§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make it his policy to bring forward proposals in his forthcoming White Paper on higher education to reform the system of finance for students of dance and drama; and if he will make a statement. [10815]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Government are sympathetic to the position of certain students of dance and drama. They note the recommendations which the National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education has made in this area—in particular the need to review the supply of dancers and actors—and in the light of these will consider with interested parties what new arrangements might be put in place once the current interim bursary scheme expires. The Government's response to the committee's report will be published in the autumn.