§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to improve the musical education of school children. [63710]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe Government recognise that music is a key part of the broad and balanced education to which every child is entitled. Music is a foundation subject in the National Curriculum, which every child must study from the ages of 5 to 14, and it will maintain its key place in the curriculum. We also recognise the important contribution made by LEA music services; that is why we proposed new arrangements to safeguard them in our "Fair Funding" consultation document. We will be making a further announcement on this matter early in the new year.