Written question asked by Ashok Kumar (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 May 2003. It was answered by David Miliband (Labour) on Thursday, 8 May 2003 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what percentage of state-educated pupils in each government office region had access to musical instrument lessons during school hours and on school premises in (a) 1992, (b) 1997 and (c) 2002; how many pupils in each year group (a) had access to and (b) took up musical instrument lessons in the latest year for which figures are available. - Inc figures.

Answer: Dr. Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what percentage of state- educated pupils in each government office region had access to musical instrument lessons during school hours and on school premises in (a) 1992, (b) 1997 and (c) 2002; [111684] (2) how many pupils in each year group (a) had access to and (b) took up musical instrument lessons in the latest year for which figures are available. [111688] Mr. Miliband: This information is not collected centrally. However, music is taught to all children in Key Stages 1-3 (ages five to 14) through the National Curriculum. The Government also provides just under £60 million per annum to LEA Music Services through the Music Standards Fund to give pupils access to high quality musical experiences, including instrumental lessons.

Secondary information