HC Deb 27 February 1968 vol 759 cc334-5W
Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what grants have been made from public funds in respect of the theatre, the opera, painting and sculpture, and music, respectively, to the North-West Region of England and to Manchester, respectively, during 1966 and 1967; what proportion of total grants these sums constituted; and what amounts were granted to London during the same period.

Miss Jennie Lee

Grants made by the Arts Council direct to bodies in the three areas in the two years were:

1965–66 1966–67
£ £
North West Region excluding Manchester
Music 54,240 71,237
Drama 50,025 84,423
Art 75 750
Manchester only
Music 55,371 72,560
Drama 775 44
Art 225 450
London
Music 1,802,933 2,275,858
Drama 253.950 433,235
Art 11,275 22,970

Total figures for England, including direct promotions by the Arts Council and grants to national and regional bodies, amounted to:

1965–66 1966–67
£ £
England
Music (excluding opera and ballet) 456,420 694,716
Drama 766,066 1,352,223
Art 121,641 143,413
*Opera and Ballet 1,733,094 2,166,623
*These figures include the grant to the Royal Opera House which cannot accurately be apportioned between opera and ballet.

Opera and ballet are mainly provided in the Regions by companies based in London, whose grants include provision of touring activities.