§ 27. Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to bring forward proposals to change the funding of local theatres through the Art Board. [66786]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthThe Government believe strongly in delegation. The new Arts Council which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State appointed last year shares that view and has already proposed that a substantial element of the extra resources for the arts that the Government are providing should be delegated to the Regional Arts Boards. It will be for the Regional Arts Boards to take decisions on the funding for specific artforms or organisations within their regions, including theatre.