Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Nia Griffith and Lord Vaizey of Didcot

Thursday 3rd November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab)]

2. What steps his Department is taking to assist young people into employment in the creative industries; and if he will make a statement.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey)]

The Government support young people wishing to enter the creative industries at all levels through apprenticeships, careers advice, degree courses and business start-up schemes. We are expanding apprenticeships, including those in the creative industries, and the National Skills Academy, which was set up by Creative and Cultural Skills, has been successful in increasing the number of career opportunities for young people.

[Nia Griffith]

I am sure the Minister will be aware that the television media company Tinopolis, which is in my constituency, is a significant employer of young arts graduates. Vice-chancellors up and down the country are worried about what arts courses they will be able to provide. Can the Minister tell me how many students are taking such courses this year, and how that compares with the number last year?

[Mr Vaizey]

I do not have the figures to hand, but—