§ Mr. Terry Davisasked the Minister for the Arts when the Office of Arts and Libraries will pay the money which was due to area museum councils in March 1986.
§ Mr. LuceI regret that the final instalment of grant payments due to the seven English area museum councils in 1985–86 was not paid because of an administrative oversight in the Office of Arts and Libraries. I have made arrangements to pay a proportion of these payments at once and the balance on 1 April this year. The payments due in 1986–87 have already been made in full.
§ Mr. Nellistasked the Minister for the Arts when the grant aid due to area museum councils in March 1986 will now be made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceI refer the hon. Member to my reply given to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Hodge Hill (Mr. Davis) today.