§ 26. Mr. Proctorasked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts what representations he has received with regard to tax advantages to private sector fenders of the arts.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy noble Friend the Minister for the Arts has received some letters from the National Federation of Playgoers' Societies advocating further tax concessions. The question of tax reliefs for the arts continues to be kept under review.
§ Mr. ProctorIs my hon. Friend aware that there is continuing concern about the activities of the Inland Revenue special unit at Bristol, which tends to depress available private sponsorship for the arts? Is he further aware that the Association for Business Sponsorship of the Arts is currently collecting representations from its members and that a document prepared by leading accountants will be in the Minister's hands in April? Will he give that document and those representations the most careful consideration?
§ Mr. WaldegraveI was aware that ABSA was looking into this, and I will take seriously any representations submitted by it, although I am not aware of any evidence that the Inland Revenue has changed or tightened its rules in this area.