Written question asked by Louise Ellman (Labour) on Thursday, 11 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 June 1998. It was answered by Tom Clarke (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 June 1998 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the economic impact of the creative industries in (a) the North West Region, (b) Liverpool and (c) Merseyside in terms of (i) jobs, (ii) turnover, (iii) company formation and (iv) tourism. - Inc figure for creative industries nationally.

Answer: Mrs. Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the economic impact of the creative industries in (a) the North West Region, (b) Liverpool and (c) Merseyside in terms of (i) jobs, (ii) turnover, (iii) company formation and (iv) tourism. [46233] Mr. Tom Clarke: The creative industries can be a powerful economic driving force in local and regional economies, but detailed statistics on the scale of their economic impact in particular parts of the country are not currently available. The Creative Industries Task Force has collated data which show that the creative industries nationally generate revenues of around £55 billion, contribution 4 per cent. to GDP, and employ some 1.5 million people. The Task Force is now turning its attention to assessing the position in different regions.

Secondary information