HL Deb 22 October 2001 vol 627 cc114-6WA
Lord Inglewood

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In relation to the restructuring of the Arts Council, what action they will take to safeguard the commitment to devolution in the regions. [HL788]

The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Baroness Blackstone)

Her Majesty's Government have made explicit the requirement for the Arts Council of England to address regional power in their proposals to reform the arts funding systerm. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has said that she will need to be assured that the proposals deliver real delegation to the regions.