HC Deb 25 November 1997 vol 301 c456W
Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the interim schemes for the funding of dance and drama in(a) England and (b) Wales; and what factors account for the differences; [15597]

(2) what assessment he has made of the impact of the Arts Council for England interim scheme on increasing access to training for students of dance and drama; and if he will make a statement; [15600]

(3) what assessment he has made of the benefits of using any surplus in the allocation for the interim scheme for funding students of dance and drama to relieve hardship among students on accredited courses in dance and drama colleges; [15596]

(4) what proportion of English dance and drama students on accredited courses in the current academic year are receiving support from the Arts Council interim scheme. [15598]

Mr. Fisher

The operation of the interim scheme is a matter for the Arts Council of England. I understand that full information is not yet available, but I have asked the Arts Council for a report on the effectiveness of the interim scheme and I will reply in full to the hon. Member as soon as I have it.