§ Mr. GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures are being taken to improve the efficiency of the funding system for dance projects which are of benefit to public health. [152533]
§ Mr. Alan Howarth[holding answer 6 March 2001]: My Department, the Arts Council of England and the Regional Arts Boards all recognise the clear links between dance and public health. The Arts Council funds a wide range of dance organisations, many of which have developed extensive education programmes which have a particular relevance to public health. These include organisations such as Green Candle Dance Company, the Foundation for Community Dance and The Place National Dance Agency. Support from the arts funding system also usefully functions as a lever for funding from sources such as local health authorities and health action zones. The efficiency of the funding system is kept under continuous review.