§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) how many representations his Department has received from schools and colleges concerning funding by the Youth Music Trust; [57206]
(2) how many applications for funding have been received by the Youth Music Trust; and what is their aggregate value; [57207]
(3) how many meetings of the Youth Music Trust have taken place. [57208]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 29 October 1998]: The Youth Music Trust has yet to be formally constituted as a legal entity. My Department is currently supporting the Chairman-designate, Gavin Henderson, to bring this about. The Trustees-designate have no legal status until the Trust is established, but they are being kept informed of progress, and it is expected that they will shortly meet informally.
The Department receives a steady stream of representations from a range of bodies and individuals generally interested in the Trust, including a small number of approaches for funding from schools, colleges and others.