To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families (1) how much has been spent on the Music Standards Fund in each year since 2004; (164025)

[holding answer 13 November 2007]: In respect of spending on the Music Standards Fund from 2003-04 I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 20 February 2007, Official Report, column 892W.

The Music Standards Fund grant for the next two years, that is, for 2008-09 and 2009-10, totals £82 million a year. Local authorities are free to add to the Music Standards Funds from their general education budgets, and many do.