Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Howe of Idlicote (Crossbench). It was answered on Thursday, 3 December 2009.

Cultural and Creative Arts

Question: My Lords, given the point about the need for technical skills, how much extra effort are the Government putting into ensuring that schoolchildren are properly informed about the opportunities which are available if they begin their education in these areas now?

Answer: My Lords, the noble Baroness has identified an important point regarding the effectiveness of communication in schools about such opportunities. We are developing a project in which schoolchildren are introduced to such opportunities. We are looking at that as a pilot study to see how we can spread it across the nation. There is no doubt that there are opportunities in this area which we need to see young children exploit and develop. I have not the slightest doubt that they would gain fulfilment from careers in this area.

Secondary information