HC Deb 15 June 1981 vol 6 cc726-7
20. Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to announce the Arts Council grant for the financial year 1982–83; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Channon

As soon as is practicable.

Mr. Freud

I thank the Minister for that inspired reply. Will he accept that successful administration of the arts is dependent upon planning, and that planning by the arts is difficult unless the announcement of the amount of finance available is given priority?

Mr. Channon

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that it would be nice to make earlier announcements about available grants. My predecessor was able to do so last December. That was an earlier date than usual, but the difficulty is that it is impossible to make announcements until Ministers have collectively decided all those matters and until detailed negotiation has taken place. I shall do what I can to be helpful and speedy, but I do not wish to raise hopes that I can be quicker than that.

Mr. Stokes

At this time of financial stringency, can my right hon. Friend give me an assurance that finance for the arts will be as strictly scrutinised as finance for defence?

Mr. Channon

Finance for the arts will, as always, be extremely strictly scrutinised. I know of my hon. Friend's concern, but he will agree that, for the overwhelming majority, there are immense advantages in the money spent on the arts. There is general agreement in the House that that should continue.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

Will the Minister take up the suggestion that he made earlier about discussing with the Arts Council the various grants that it makes and ask it to review the amount that it is withholding from, or will not spend on, the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company? Is he aware that many in the North-West have their first contact with opera through D'Oyly Carte? That is important to the North-West, although it may not seem so in London.

Mr. Channon

I understand the right hon. Gentleman's view about the importance of D'Oyly Carte to many sections of the population. However, it has never received a grant from the Arts Council. It has asked for a substantial grant at a time when the Arts Council grant, although substantial, is being held steady. It is difficult to take on new commitments, and the Arts Council has taken the view that it is wrong to do so. I have already discussed this with the chairman, but, in view of the right hon. Gentleman's concern, I shall raise it again.

Mr. Blackburn

In carrying out a review of his estimates, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the essential value of, and the vital role played by, the arts in tourism? Is he aware of the arts' earning capacity for this country? Will he give an assurance that in his considerations he will bear in mind the important role of the arts in tourism?

Mr. Channon

That is correct. Millions of tourists visit our national collections, stately homes and go to West End and other theatres. I agree with my hon. Friend.

Mr. Faulds

With the impact of inflation and the increasing demands on the Arts Council, should not the right hon. Gentleman consider a supplementary Government grant to fund organisations such as the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, the National Youth Orchestra, the Old Vic and other well-deserving projects that are likely to collapse in the present and foreseeable economic circumstances?

Mr. Channon

As the hon. Member knows, the National Youth Orchestra has been saved and, I hope, has a secure future.

Mr. Faulds

Not by the Government.

Mr. Channon

The Arts Council grant this year is £80 million more in real terms than ever before. It is the best grant that any Government have ever given to the Arts Council. Although I should like to do more, it is not fair for the hon. Member to criticise me for what I am doing.