HC Deb 21 April 1980 vol 983 cc23-4
21. Mr. Best

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what further measures he intends to stimulate the arts in Wales.

The Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Neil Macfarlane)

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 17 March 1980.

Mr. Best

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer and for the commitment that the Government have made to the arts in Wales. Will he look very carefully to see whether Government money gives sufficient opportunity in Wales to Welsh dramatists, artists and producers?

Mr. Macfarlane

I find it difficult to believe that Welshmen are incapable of looking after their own interests, where-ever they may be. I cannot give my hon. Friend the assurance that he seeks, because the Government do not control the grant once it is distributed to the Welsh Arts Council. The use of the grant must remain the council's responsibility.

Mr. Rowlands

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the growing concern about the future of the Welsh National Youth Orchestra, which has a magnificent track record? Will he save us from the philistines in the Welsh Office?

Mr. Macfarlane

I have a feeling that the hon. Member has made that remark about philistines in the Welsh Office before. I must repeat that there are no philistines in the Welsh Office in the Conservative Administration. The hon. Member's comments are well known. Perhaps he could lend a helping hand in that area by trying to encourage sponsorship from private sources in South Wales.

Mr. Wigley

Is the Minister aware that at district and county level expenditure on sport is six times as high as expenditure on the arts in Wales? This does not mean that expenditure on sport should be cut but means that more should be spent on the arts. Will he look again at the amount that goes to the Arts Council?

Mr. Macfarlane

No, I cannot look again at the amounts that go to the various arts organisations. The Welsh Arts Council receives just over 7 per cent. of the total Arts Council money. The British Film Institute gives in excess of 7 per cent. of its total allocation, and the Crafts Council gives more than 28 per cent. of its total allocation for the United Kingdom. I do not think that that is unfair to Wales.