To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much of the funding allocated for new rehearsal spaces for musicians referred to in his Department's press release of 17 December 2007 has been spent to date; and if he will make a statement.

Discussions have been held with local authorities and other partners with the aim of setting up 10 pilot community music rehearsal spaces in England over the two financial years 2008-09 and 2009-10. Of the £500,000 allocated for the scheme, expenditure has so far totalled £72,434. We are aiming to have all 10 spaces established by March 2010.