Written question asked by Harold Best (Labour) on Monday, 10 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 November 2003. It was answered by Baroness Morris of Yardley (Labour) on Monday, 17 November 2003 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 recent discussions she has had with (a) regional cultural consortia, (b) libraries and (c) museums on measures to promote social inclusion in relation to access to (i) the arts and (ii) sport.

Answer: Mr. Best: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions she has had with (a) regional cultural consortia, (b) libraries and (c) museums on measures to promote social inclusion in relation to access to (i) the arts and (ii) sport. [138372] Estelle Morris: Departmental Ministers have regular discussions about social inclusion and access with representatives of our sectors, including libraries, museums and a wide variety of regional interests. We are pursuing access and inclusion through a range of initiatives that feed into our Public Service Agreement objectives and targets. The Department is also working closely with the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit and the Home Office to promote and support sports and cultural activities as ways of reducing social exclusion, through the building of community cohesion and trust and individual self-esteem and skills.

Secondary information