HC Deb 14 December 1998 vol 322 c349W
23. Miss Begg

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the contribution the performing arts can make to reducing social exclusion. [62151]

28. Ms Buck

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the contribution of the performing arts to measures to reduce social exclusion. [62156]

Mr. Alan Howarth

One of my Department's principal objectives is to promote the role of the Department's sectors, including the performing arts, in combating social exclusion. The New Audiences Fund will continue to support projects which broaden access for young people and others who would not normally have an opportunity to experience the arts. Furthermore, as part of our contribution to the Government's forthcoming strategy for neighbourhood renewal, my Department is chairing an action team which will report on best practice in using the arts and sport to combat social exclusion.