§ Mr. Parryasked the Under Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts what consideration has been given to the future of the arts following the proposed abolition of the Merseyside county council.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy noble Friend is now considering the many representations made to him during the consultation period, which ended recently. The pattern of funding for the arts in Merseyside after the abolition of the Merseyside metropolitan county council will depend on the outcome of my noble Friend's deliberations.