Proceeding contribution from Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat) in the House of Commons on Thursday, 20 March 2008. It occurred during Adjournment debate on Creative Industries.
Creative Industries
The Minister shakes her head, but I listened to the interview on the ““Today”” programme with the Secretary of State, and I have listened to the way in which people have understandably picked up on the five hours of culture, done their sums and worked out that the funding for each pupil will be less than 6p an hour. Why was everybody doing those sums, if we were not talking about a set number of hours? We should integrate cultural activities and creativity far more in the curriculum, rather than talk about add-ons. I am delighted that the Minister believes that I am right about that, but I say to her that the document does not say that—it gives a very different impression. If the Government introduce the five hours of provision, they will get into a great argument with people like me, who point out that targets are not being met and that definitions are fiddled. The Government claim that they have met their commitment to two hours of physical education in school, but they have not. Some 1 million children lose out, and the two hours include changing time. What will be the fiddles in this case? Instead, let us have culture integrated. The hon. Member for Wantage is desperate to make a long speech—he has indicated that to me twice. I hope that I have shown that my party and I feel passionately about the matter. We support the direction in which the Government are moving. There is much more work still to be done, but I am genuinely delighted that progress is being made and that the creative industries are beginning to be given the prominence that they deserve. I know that he is about to develop that point still further, and that he shares my views on it.
Secondary information
- Type
- Proceeding contribution
- Reference
- 473 c331-2WH
- Session
- 2007-08
- Chamber / Committee
- Westminster Hall
- Subjects
- Broadcasting Business Arts Copyright Digital broadcasting Film Industry Innovation Media Technology Television Skilled workers
- Link
- View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk
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