Written question asked by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 12 December 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 December 2001. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 December 2001 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 she has made of the evidence presented in the Arts Council of England's two consultation periods; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the evidence presented in the Arts Council of England's two consultation periods; and if she will make a statement. [23570] Dr. Howells: Following the first consultation my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State wanted to see proposals which created a dynamic new organisation; brought the regions into the heart of the funding system; delegated real decision making to regional level; set challenging targets for administrative savings; was simpler and more consistent for those applying for funding. We are confident that the new proposals will deliver this. The Secretary of State has just received a progress report following the second consultation exercise and will respond to the Arts Council in due course.

Secondary information