§ 38. Mr. Chapmanasked the Minister for the Arts what recent representations he has received about the effect on arts funding in London of the demise of the Greater London council.
§ Mr. LuceI have received a number of representations, but I am happy to say that the position of the vast majority of arts organisations in Greater London has been made secure.
§ Mr. ChapmanDoes my right hon. Friend agree that the first benefit deriving from the abolition of the GLC should be the more efficient management of the South Bank complex, in the interests of those who care about the arts throughout Britain, as well as Londoners? Will he confirm that that should be a top priority of the South Bank board under its able chairman in the year ahead?
§ Mr. LuceI am grateful to my hon. Friend for referring to the South Bank, because under the leadership of Ronnie Grierson we have had a smooth and efficient takeover of responsibilities at considerable personal sacrifice in terms of his time and because he is acting without a salary. It is already becoming clear that the South Bank will operate more efficiently and at lower administrative costs than it has in the past.
§ Mr. FreudWill the Minister bear in mind the considerable pleasure which was brought to schools and old people's homes by the GLC and metropolitan counties which sponsored theatrical tours, and will he do his best to let successor bodies have similar productions, which will give a great deal of pleasure to those people?
§ Mr. LuceI note what the hon. Gentleman says. Much of this is to do with the Arts Council and with local authorities, but I am extremely encouraged by successor authorities' responses, following abolition, to appeals to participate in support for the arts. Today the Westminster city council has announced that it will provide over £3 million for the support of the arts in Greater London. I warmly welcome that.