Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Bishop of Liverpool (Bishops (affiliation)). It was answered on Thursday, 3 December 2009.

Cultural and Creative Arts

Question: My Lords, I declare an interest as a trustee of the National Museums and Galleries in Liverpool. Is the Minister aware of the two reports that have been published following Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture: the Capital of Culture outputs final report and the National Museums Liverpool economic impact report for 2009? Both show that for £20 million of government investment, there has been a £120 million impact on the regional economy. Does that encourage the Government to continue to invest in cultural and creative arts?

Answer: My Lords, it certainly does. I speak on behalf of the whole of the Government, but I must confess an interest: both museums write to me regularly, as I have a close association with them, so I am all too well aware of their success since the year of culture. It shows just how that concept can bring advantages to a city such as Liverpool. I am enormously gratified to see the extent to which the city is building on those foundations.

Secondary information