To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the Scottish Arts Council and what issues were discussed. (S1O-2365)

I last met members of the Scottish Arts Council on 14 August 2000 to discuss the national cultural strategy.

I am delighted to hear that. Has the minister visited the Richard DeMarco exhibition "The Road to Meikle Seggie"? Is he willing to suggest to the Scottish Arts Council that it conduct a feasibility study into storing and displaying Mr DeMarco's extensive collection of art from Scotland and the wider world?

I have not had the pleasure of visiting that exhibition. However, I am sure that the Scottish Arts Council will have heard what the member has said and will want to take it into consideration at its next meeting.

Did the minister's discussions with the Scottish Arts Council include any reference to industrial museums, which seem to have been rather neglected in the national cultural strategy document?

That is not the case. We did not have any suggestions about industrial museums at that stage, but it is a matter to which I am giving due consideration and on which I may be able to say something further in future