HC Deb 19 November 1984 vol 68 cc18-20
32. Mr. Murphy

asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts what is the current level of private sponsorship of the arts; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

The Association for Business Sponsorship of the Arts estimated sponsorship at £13.5 million in 1983, excluding charitable donations by companies and private individuals. No later figures are currently available, but the new incentive scheme of my right hon. and noble Friend has given sponsorship a new impetus. He will be announcing the initial 12 award winners tomorrow.

Mr. Murphy

I welcome the results of private sponsorship of the arts. Are the Government to give extra publicity to that?

Mr. Waldegrave

I shall certainly take up that matter with my right hon. and noble Friend and write to my hon. Friend on that point.