§ 11. Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is his assessment of the state of the arts in the county of Suffolk.
§ Mr. SproatIt is for the Arts Council and regional arts boards to take the lead in making assessments of this kind. I understand that the Eastern Arts Board regards Suffolk as having a healthy and lively arts scene.
§ Mr. SpringIs my hon. Friend aware of the great local interest in the National Racing museum in Newmarket in my constituency, and in the Manor House museum in Bury St. Edmunds? Is he also aware that the renowned Bury St. Edmunds festival starts next month? Does he agree that, with the great flowering of interest in the arts in the past 10 years, it is now possible for people to see fine performances and to go to excellent museums, not only in the cities, but increasingly in rural areas?
§ Mr. SproatYes, I very much agree with my hon. Friend. I congratulate the Eastern Arts Board on what it has done towards achieving that splendid aim.