HC Deb 08 February 1988 vol 127 c11
11. Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met the chairman of the Welsh Arts Council; and what matters were discussed.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

I met the chairman of the Welsh Arts Council in January, when we discussed a variety of issues relating to the arts in Wales.

Mr. Thomas

Does the Minister consider that it is an acceptable formulation for arts policy in Wales to be handled by the Arts Council of Great Britain and then by the Welsh Arts Council, rather than that the affairs of the Welsh Arts Council should be handled entirely by his Department, so integrating arts policy with cultural and other aspects of education policy which are already part of his Department's activities?

Mr. Roberts

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman knows the position of the Arts Council in Wales, and he will be aware of the considerable liaison between the Welsh Office and the Arts Council. I hope that we both take account of what the other is doing.