§ 31. Mr. Dubsasked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts whether Her Majesty's Government have now completed their consideration of the representations they have received on the effect on the arts in London of their proposals for local government.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI refer the hon. Member to the reply. I have given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Atkinson) today.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts what representations the Minister for the Arts has received about the future of the Arts in South Yorkshire if the South Yorkshire metropolitan council is abolished; and how he intends making up the financial losses to the arts.
§ Mr. WaldegraveRepresentations were received from, or on behalf of, South Yorkshire metropolitan county council; the Crucible theatre, Sheffield; Action Space Mobile; and the Cooper art gallery, Barnsley. My noble Friend is now considering most carefully these and the many other representations made to him during the consultation period. The pattern of funding for the arts in the affected areas after abolition will depend on the outcome of my noble Friend's deliberations.