HC Deb 05 February 1996 vol 271 c94W
19. Mr. Simon Coombs

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what steps she is taking to promote business sponsorship of the arts. [11776]

Mr. Sproat

My Department actively encourages private sector support of the arts, particularly through its pairing scheme which to date has brought in more than £96 million in new money to the arts since it was introduced in 1984. My right hon. Friend recently announced changes to the scheme which will now be even more attractive for longer-term sponsors and initiatives that aim to attract new and younger audiences.