§ 27. Mr. Proctorasked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts what Arts Council funds are available to Billericay arts society in the financial year 1985–86; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe Arts Council funds only activities of a professional nature; but the Regional Arts Association will consider sympathetically any request for project funding.
§ Mr. ProctorWill my hon. Friend encourage, help and advise the arts society in its attempt to transform a historic building, 108 High Street, Billericay, into a modern and thriving arts centre and in particular to gain private sector sponsorship for this worthwhile venture?
§ Mr. WaldegraveI shall be happy to give every encouragement that I can. The scheme is admirable. The expertise required probably rests mainly with the Regional Arts Association or with the Arts Council; but if there is anything that the Office of Arts and Libraries can do to help, it will be delighted to do so.
§ Mr. CormackSo that the honest burghers of Billericay and other places north and south of Watford may enjoy performances of a high professional calibre, will my hon. Friend discuss with our noble Friend the somewhat shortsighted attitude of the Arts Council, and indeed the Government, towards the National Theatre's touring activities?
§ Mr. WaldegraveWide though my brief is on the affairs of Billericay, it did not take fully into account their relationship to the National Theatre. I have repeatedly defended the Arts Council's general strategy. The citizens of Billericay have benefited from this strategy, because the Regional Arts Association has had a 29 per cent. increase in its funding this year. Devolution to the provinces really means something.
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