§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Regional Cultural consortiums regarding the Arts Council for England's commitment to integrating the regional arts boards. [154754]
§ Mr. Chris SmithDiscussions have not yet begun with the Regional Cultural Consortiums about the Arts Council of England' s proposal for the integrating of the regional arts boards. The proposals made by the Arts Council will be formally discussed with stakeholders, including the Regional Cultural Consortiums, in due course.
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with(a) the Arts Council for England and (b) the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions regarding the council's commitment to integrating the regional arts boards. [154755]
§ Mr. Chris SmithI discussed the proposals with the Chair and Chief Executive of the Arts Council shortly before they were announced, and I can confirm that DETR have been informed. I am looking forward to receiving formal detailed proposals in due course, and will of course consult with colleagues further on those once I have received them.
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he had with the Arts Council for England concerning the future role of the regional arts boards prior to the council's announcement of 15 March; and if he will make a statement. [154756]
§ Mr. Chris SmithI have discussed with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Arts Council the proposals they announced on 15 March and will formally consider the detailed proposals in due course.