§ 25. Mr. Canavanasked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the arts what subjects he expects to discuss at his next meeting with the chairman of the Arts Council.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThey will discuss matters of mutual current concern.
§ Mr. CanavanHas the Minister seen the Arts Council leaflet that points out that local authorities' financial support for the arts is 70 per cent. more than the Government's and over 4,000 per cent. more than that which comes from business sponsorship? Will the Government take steps to improve their own performance and to encourage local authorities to maintain their support for the arts, because it is obvious from the figures that the level of business sponsorship is paltry and no substitute for the public funding of the arts?
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe level of business sponsorship has risen, is rising and has reached about £12 million a year. That is not a large contribution, but it is extremely useful on the margin. Of course, local authorities and central Government have roles, but no one should undervalue the increasing efforts by the Association for Business Sponsorship of the Arts and by businesses direct.
§ Mr. BlackburnDoes my hon. Friend agree that the future for financing the arts lies with sponsorship? Will he seriously consider the position of the Friends of the Manchester Galleries, which is pursuing sponsorship with effect, because that is the way forward?
§ Mr. WaldegraveThat organisation, and others like it, does much good and deserves nothing but encouragement from the House. I am happy to pay tribute to it.