To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will take steps to reduce the number of consultants engaged by Arts Council England. (308544)

This is a matter for Arts Council England.

Accordingly, I have asked the chief executive of Arts Council England to consider the issue and to write direct to my hon. Friend the Member for West Bromwich, East.

Copies of the reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent reports he has received on Arts Council England hiring outgoing senior employees as consultants. (307380)

[holding answer 15 December 2009]: The Department has received no such reports.