HC Deb 30 November 1981 vol 14 cc18-20
25. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will increase the grant to the Arts Council.

Mr. Channon

I hope so.

Mrs. Short

My luck is in today, having two goes at the Minister.

Does the Minister accept that unless the resources of the Arts Council are increased considerably—I hope that the Prime Minister is also noting this—in order to care for the problem of inflation as well as the expansion of growth of the arts, many artists, orchestras, theatres and companies will not be supported by the Arts Council in the coming year, which will create a very serious situation?

Mr. Channon

I note what the hon. Lady says. I must ask her to await an announcement in due course. What she has said has a great deal of force. We shall have to do the best that we can.