Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on Arts and Disabled People – 16 December 1986

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on Arts and Disabled People on 16th December 1986.

Mr. Alfred Morris Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust concerning the recommendations of “Arts and Disabled People”, the report of a committee of inquiry under the chairmanship of Sir Richard Attenborough; what action he has taken or will be taking; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Major My predecessor as Minister for the Disabled met representatives of the Carnegie council in January to discuss what action could be taken on those recommendations that related to the Department’s responsibilities. It was agreed at that meeting that there should be further discussions at official level with the council and other interested bodies. A meeting was held in June between the Department, the council and the arts therapy associations to discuss the development of art therapy in the National Health Service. A further meeting is to be held with the council in January to discuss wider questions about the role of the arts in hospitals.