To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much of the budget for the Culture and Sport Evidence Programme has been spent. (279846)

Up to the end of May 2009, £351,000 of the budget for the Culture and Sport Evidence Programme had been spent. This represents 20 per cent. of the total budget for this three-year programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of progress on the Culture and Sport Evidence Programme; and if he will make a statement. (279847)

The Culture and Sport Evidence Programme (CASE) is progressing well. We have undertaken (i) a fundamental review of published research and data on engagement in culture and sport, (ii) an assessment of research needs at a regional and local level and completed (iii) a review of asset data across the CASE-member bodies and (iv) developed shortened ‘Taking Part’-style questions for the ‘Understanding Society’ longitudinal study, all within the first six months of CASE activity.