HC Deb 18 July 1983 vol 46 cc18-20
29. Mr. Fisher

asked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the arts when he intends to reply to the report from the Education, Science and Arts Committee on the public and private funding of the arts.

Mr. Waldegrave

The hon. Member will have noticed that my brief runs only up to question 28 —[Interruption.]

Mr. Canavan

Resign.

Mr. Waldegrave

If Opposition hon. Members below the Gangway will be quiet they may hear, in reply to the supplementary question, an answer that will interest them.

Mr. Speaker

Private notice question. Mr. David Harris.

Mr. Fisher

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I will take points of order after the private notice question — I apologise to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central (Mr. Fisher). He has not asked his supplementary question.

Mr. Fisher

I am sorry to hear that the Minister's knowledge of the arts runs out after question 28. How will he tackle the massive per capita imbalance in arts funding between London and the regions, which can vary by between 300 per cent. and 1,000 per cent.? What steps does the Minister propose to take to ensure a fairer distribution of arts funding?

Mr. Waldegrave

That question brings in very complex issues. Some of the great, nationally funded institutions have a regional output in terms of touring and other arrangements. The figures show that over the past 20 years the balance has moved steadily in favour of the regions, but my noble Friend keeps the issue under close review and will continue to do so.

Mr. Speaker

I again apologise to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central (Mr. Fisher). I hope that we have now disposed of the points of order.