28. Mrs. Ren·e Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much was available in the Housing the Arts Fund each year since it was set up, up to the present date; and if she will make a larger allocation for this purpose.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasWhen the Housing the Arts scheme was introduced in 1965–66 the Arts Council of Great Britain was authorised to enter into commitments for capital expenditure amounting to £250,000. In the following and in each subsequent year the sum was raised to £500,000. My noble Friend has informed the Arts Council that the sum for 1973–74 will be increased by 50 per cent. to £750,000. In addition, there has been a special allocation of £675,000 to be spent by the end of 1973 for projects in the assisted areas.