HC Deb 07 October 2003 vol 411 cc172-3W
Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what her policy is towards promoting English folk songs and English folk dances; and if she will make a statement; [131607]

(2) what action she (a) has taken since 1997 and (b) plans to take in future years to promote English folk songs and English folk dances; and if she will make a statement. [131608]

Estelle Morris

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport recognises the particular contribution of folk arts to rural life regeneration and cultural tourism. In March 2003, Arts Council England announced increases in core funding to contemporary music, including folk music, of £1.7 million. This included an increase of over £100,000 to Folk Arts England to support the development of a dynamic English folk music sector.

Arts Council funding for the Colchester Arts Centre, which provides a diverse programme of folk music will also rise over the next three years by 16.5 per cent. to £104,000.