§ Mr. MaudeTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations his Department has received from(a) artists, (b) musicians, (c) dancers, and (d) related bodies, regarding the designation of (i) art, (ii) music, (iii) history, (iv) geography, and (v) physical education including dance as non-core subjects of the National Curriculum for primary schools; and if he has been consulted on the proposals by the Department for Education and Employment. [40158]
§ Mr. Chris SmithMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, as the responsible Minister, announced on 13 January the Government's proposals to give primary schools greater flexibility in the delivery of the primary school curriculum. The mechanisms for policy development within Government are of course well established and understood. My Department has received a number of representations from performing and visual artists, arts education bodies and members of the public, covering the four curriculum subjects in which my Department has an interest: art, physical education (including dance), drama (through English literature) and music.