Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Jim Cunningham (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 25 October 2010 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Arts (Funding)

Question: Can the Secretary of State say what discussions he has had with his colleague the Secretary of State for Education about protecting the arts at universities and the teaching of art at school?

Answer: We have had considerable discussions with the Department for Education, with which we share a belief in the importance of cultural education. However, the Secretary of State for Education has made it clear that the best way to secure that is not by ring-fencing money going to schools, but by giving heads the discretion to use the money as they fit. By doing that, we are confident that heads will understand the extreme importance and value of arts education.

Secondary information