§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in what ways her Department is carrying forward the Government's commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, with particular reference to equal opportunities to recreation and leisure. [161481]
§ Estelle Morris[holding answer 17 March 2004]: One of my Department's key strategic priorities is to enhance access to a fuller cultural and sporting life for children and young people and to give them the opportunity to develop their talents to the full. In support of this priority we have set several targets:
To enhance the take-up of sporting opportunities by 5 to 16-year-olds by increasing the percentage of school children who spend a minimum of two hours each week on high-quality PE and school sport within and beyond the curriculum from 25 per cent. in 2002 to 75 per cent. by 2006 (joint target with the Department for Education and Skills).To help regional and national museums and galleries to deliver education programmes in partnership with schools.To establish Culture On-line educational projects offering tailored access to the internet to national collections and cultural activity.To establish 32 creative partnerships so that children and teachers in deprived areas can work with professionals on sustained creative projects.We also work with other Government Departments and bodies, such as the National Lottery Distributors to promote access and participation to sport and recreation.