§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to review National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts funding programmes. [41338]
§ Mr. CabornNESTA has established itself as a significant supporter of creativity and innovation over the past two years and is currently undertaking evaluation studies of its three funding programmes. The Department is taking a close interest in the outcome of this work and this evidence will be taken into account in the Quinquennial Review of NESTA, which is scheduled to take place in 2004–05.
§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the NESTA-funded projects in the last two years; and what assessment she has made of NESTA projects. [41339]
§ Mr. CabornSince its inception, NESTA has made more than 200 awards, totalling over £15 million. These awards range widely across the arts and sciences, and have made some interesting connections between the two. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport takes a close interest in NESTA's progress and believes that it is making a valuable contribution in line with its objectives. I am asking the chief executive of NESTA to write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible with the details of each award made so far and shall ensure that a copy of the letter is placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament.