HC Deb 01 February 1968 vol 757 cc1542-4
27. Mr. Robert Cooke

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is to be the revised level of Arts expenditure in each of the next five years, following the economy measures announced on 16th January; and whether he will make a statement.

Miss Jennie Lee

No decisions have been taken on expenditure on the Arts in later years, but for 1968 –69 expenditure on the Arts will total about £15.3 million, an increase of just over £ 1 million on 1967 –68. The Arts Council grant in 1968 –69 will be £550,000 more than in the current year.

Mr. Cooke

Does the right hon. Lady recognise that the upward trend has been halted, no doubt due to the present economic measures? Will she undertake to keep the House fully informed on the nature and scope of this expenditure?

Miss Lee

I am not sure whether that was a mark of approbation or disapproval. I can assure the House, and I was very anxious to make this statement, that the existing commitments of the Arts Council will be maintained and the 8 per cent. increase even permits a modest and reasonable increase in activity.

Dr. David Kerr

Would my right hon. Friend accept that on both sides of the House this expenditure is regarded as very wise expenditure on behalf of the country? Would she also note that certain schemes which may be put in hand will of themselves require a constant increase in expenditure if they are to justify their initial hope?

Miss Lee

I accept that and that is why, in maintaining commitments on existing projects, there has been a modest but, I think, a most helpful, increase on last year's grant.

Mr. Channon

Can the right hon. Lady confirm that the overwhelmingly large proportion of the sum that she has announced will go to projects already in existence?

Miss Lee

That is the understanding. The allocation is not for me, it is a matter for the Arts Council; but I want to assure those engaged in very wonderful work all over the country that their interests are being looked after.

28. Mr. Robert Cooke

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what savings in administrative costs related to the Arts will result from the economy measures of 16th January.

Miss Jennie Lee

It is for the Arts Council and other arts bodies receiving grants-in-aid to decide how much to spend on administration out of the total grants agreed by Parliament. The grants-in-aid to the various bodies for 1968 –69, which will take into account estimated administrative needs as well as other essential requirements, will be published in the Estimates.

Mr. Cooke

Will the right hon. Lady nevertheless undertake to keep the House fully informed about the administrative expenditure, because if money is short we want to be sure that it is going to projects and is not wasted on administration?

Miss Lee

I will most certainly do that, but the House may be assured that the Arts Council is in very good hands and its business interests will be carefully looked after.