To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which regional development agencies will pilot creative economy strategic frameworks; and when he expects the pilots to (a) begin and (b) end. (227173)

The Regional Creative Economy Strategic Frameworks are being piloted by the North West Regional Development Agency and the South West Regional Development Agency.

The south west’s pilot started on 19 May 2008 and is expected to end in January 2010.

The north west’s pilot began in May 2008. They will report on their consultation in January 2009. The recommendations will then be incorporated into the region’s Integrated Regional Strategy in 2010.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport by what date he expects to have developed the Menu for Local Infrastructure to be used by local authorities to attract creative industries to their area. (227175)

The Menu for Local Infrastructure will be developed by the Local Government Association (LGA) with the support of the regional development agencies, DCMS and others. The LGA plans to publish the menu in the spring of 2009, according to current timetables.