§ 53. Mr. Ridleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science by what authority the North-Eastern Association for the Arts distributes public money; and if he will set up a committee to suggest how best to organise regional arts associations.
Mis Jennie LeeGrants are made by the Arts Council in accordance with the terms of its charter and distributed by the Association in accordance with its 135W constitution, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. Grants are also made by certain local authorities under various powers, including those in Section 132 of the Local Government Act, 1948.
Four regional arts asociations have been established or are in process of being established. The Arts Council has the matter of regional arts associations under review following the publication recently of the White Paper on "A Policy for the Acts" and I do not propose to set up a special committee.