§ 25. Mr. Rentonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science to what extent he is consulting those private sector companies that give money to the arts on the artistic activities or companies which are in most need of support.
§ 26. Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied with the level of growth of private and business sponsorship of the arts.
§ Mr. ChannonDuring the last year, business sponsorship of the arts has continued to grow and I shall keep in close touch with developments. In particular, I should like to see advantages of business sponsorship better appreciated by businesses and the smaller arts organisations in the regions.
§ Mr. MurphyI thank my right hon. Friend for his reply and add my congratulations on his appointment to this very important position in the Government, but may I remind him of a splendid publication that was issued by his predecessor? It would help to encourage the business world to sponsor the arts further.
§ Mr. ChannonI am well aware of that publication. I thank my hon. Friend for his remarks. It is essential to supplement public support of the arts by private business sponsorship. I am glad to tell the House that such sponsorship has been growing at a fast rate during the past few years.