§ The Earl of Listowelasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the value of the investment they are making in cultural, sporting and other activities undertaken with a view to fostering mutual respect between children of different faiths; and what evidence there is for the efficacy of such investment. [HL2420]
§ The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Baroness Blackstone)The Government are committed to promoting greater cultural diversity and racial equality through the arts, culture and sporting life and in so doing encouraging greater harmony in society. Many of DCMS's non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) are taking work forward in this territory, though the specific value of time and resources invested has not been quantified.
45WAFor example, English Heritage works with teachers and children drawn from all social and religious backgrounds. Sport England's programmes include assistance in the distribution of £2.5 million from the Home Office in the wake of last summer's public order disturbances in Bradford, Burnley and Oldham. The Arts Council of England supports a wide range of projects targeted at young people of different cultures, helping to develop partnerships between community and mainstream arts organisations. The efficacy of all such NDPB initiatives is assessed through ongoing monitoring and evaluation activity.