HC Deb 16 October 1995 vol 264 cc1-2
1. Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on her policies concerning regional orchestras. [35898]

The Minister of State, Department of National Heritage (Mr. Iain Sproat)

The Arts Council is currently responsible for formulating policy on regional orchestras. Following a consultation process undertaken in association with the BBC, the Arts Council recently published its orchestral strategy document, setting out the council's goals for orchestral activity over the next 10 years.

Mr. Jones

May I warn the Minister that when the Department of the Environment cuts its grants to local councils, they then cut their grants to regional orchestras? Does he know, for example, that on Merseyside one council has ceased to provide grant and another has halved its grant to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic orchestra? Does he agree that revenue support is crucial for effectiveness in regional orchestras' futures? Does he also agree that the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is a world-class orchestra with a charismatic maestro and is really delivering the goods?

Mr. Sproat

Yes, it is a wonderful orchestra. The hon. Gentleman may recall that I had the privilege of hearing it give a stunning performance in May, through the kindness and courtesy of the hon. Gentleman and his wife. Its new chief executive, Mr. Anthony Lewis-Crosby, is also doing a marvellous job.

As for the hon. Gentleman's point about local government, Liverpool council gives the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic but £80,000 a year while Manchester gives the Halle £500,000 and Birmingham gives £1 million to the City of Birmingham symphony orchestra. It might be a good thing if Liverpool gave a little more than £80,000 to such a wonderful orchestra.

Mr. Batiste

Is my hon. Friend aware that regional youth orchestras are particularly vulnerable to cuts in local authority support? Does he agree that such orchestras are an important part of the infrastructure of music in this country, as they provide many of the very talented musicians of the future? Will he examine that issue and ensure that the existence of the excellent regional youth orchestra network is not compromised?

Mr. Sproat

My hon. Friend makes an important point: youth orchestras are of exceptional importance. My hon. Friend will be glad to know that this year the Arts Council is spending more on music than it has ever spent before—some £44 million—but I shall certainly draw his remarks to the council's attention.