Arts Council

HC Deb 30 April 1974 vol 872 cc415-6W

Mr. Money

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when the Arts Council grant is to be increased to £20 million a year.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

In the present financial circumstances I have not been able to give an indication to the council of the grant beyond the present financial year. I hope shortly to be able to resume the practice of giving such indications for two years ahead.

Mr. Money

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what steps he intends to take in regard to his policy to democratise the Arts Council;

(2) what steps he intends to take to implement his policy of introducing election to the specialist panels of the Arts Council by interested groups; what these interested groups are; and how such elections will be organised;

(3) what steps he intends to take to implement his policy of introducing election to the Arts Council by the members of its specialist panels.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

I am considering these matters with the Arts Council.