§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions have been held between his officials and the Local Government Association about the implications for(a) the performing arts, (b) the visual arts, (c) museums and galleries and (d) libraries of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions' White Paper "Modernising Local Government". [58861]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 9 November 1998]Discussions with the Local Government Association about the development of cultural strategies have included discussions on the implications of the White Paper.
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions regarding the White Paper "Modernising Local Government". [58964]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 9 November 1998]The subject has been discussed in correspondence and at the Central Local Partnership meeting I attended in July. Officials of both Departments are discussing how best to take forward the White Paper proposals in areas where I have an interest.