Parliament & Politics: Questions and Answers

Artists on council

THE SCULPTOR Antony Gormley has been appointed to the Arts Council, it was announced last night by Chris Smith, the Culture, Media and Sport Secretary. Other new members will include Deborah Bull, principal dancer with the Royal Ballet, and the artist and sculptor Anish Kapoor.

Brown departure

AT A meeting of the Euro-XI in Luxembourg on 4 June, the Chancellor, although chairing the meeting, was required to leave the room.

Helen Liddell confirmed to Tam Dalyell that when issues about member states joining the single currency were to be discussed, Gordon Brown left the room.

Raising revenue

IF THE ceiling on national insurance contributions were to be abolished, says John Denham, about pounds 4.6bn extra revenue would be raised.