Oral Answers to Questions

Liz McInnes Excerpts

Thursday 9th July 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Vaizey]

Our Taking Part survey shows that since 2008-09, participation by children aged between five and 10 has increased, the number of children going to our museums has increased, the number of pupils taking arts GCSEs has increased—and so on and so forth. I do not share the hon. Lady’s view.

[Liz McInnes (Heywood and Middleton) (Lab)]

Does the Culture Secretary agree with the Education Secretary that studying arts subjects holds children back for the rest of their lives?

[Mr Vaizey]

No, he does not, because that is not the Education Secretary’s view. Labour Members seem to take the view that if we talk up science, we are somehow talking down the arts. My right hon. Friend was not doing that at all. I suggest the hon. Lady reads the speech.