HC Deb 01 February 1999 vol 324 c453W
18. Mr. Blizzard

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the role of public art in economic regeneration. [66778]

Mr. Alan Howarth

The Arts Council of England is currently carrying out an independent evaluation of Lottery funded public art commissions. I am in no doubt, however, of the ability of public art to improve the urban landscape, enhance local neighbourhood identity, encourage inward investment, create local employment and develop skills through programmes of participation, education and training.