HC Deb 30 March 1998 vol 309 c368W
Mr. Maude

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many Ministerial policy reviews have been initiated within his Department since 1 May 1997; and when they are expected to report. [36072]

Mr. Chris Smith

In common with all other Government Departments, the Department for Culture Media and Sport has been undertaking a comprehensive spending review. This has looked at objectives, policies and spending priorities across all the Department's responsibilities.

The Department has also conducted a number of individual reviews alongside the spending review. These were:

  • a review of the National Lottery resulted in the publication last July of a White Paper, "The People's Lottery" and the subsequent introduction of the National Lottery Bill now before the House;
  • a review of the arrangements for celebrating the Millennium;
  • a review of film policy, the outcome of which was published on 25 March;
  • a review of the list of nationally important sporting events which must be made available to generally available free-to-air terrestrial TV channels.