§ 29. Mr. Wigleyasked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts when the Minister for the Arts last met the chairman of the Welsh Arts Council; and what subjects were discussed.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy noble Friend regularly meets the chairman of the Arts Council of Great Britain about matters of current concern. He does not have formal meetings on a regular basis with the chairman of the Welsh Arts Council, although informal meetings do take place.
§ Mr. WigleyDoes the Minister feel it appropriate to have a meeting with the chairman of the Welsh Arts 19 Council in view of the difficulty that it has had with the development plan currently under consideration, because drama in Wales, particularly among small companies, will be hit hard by lack of resources? Will he seriously consider, with the chairman of the Welsh Arts Council, the availability of adequate resources to meet the needs of a bilingual community, and one which includes many areas of scattered population?
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe considerations which the hon. Member mentions at the end of his question are taken into account by the Welsh Arts Council. I shall draw the hon. Gentleman's request for a meeting to my noble Friend's attention.