HC Deb 02 December 1976 vol 921 cc213-5W
Q39. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Prime Minister if he will publish the report on financing the arts; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has now reported to me the outcome of his study, which he undertook in consultation with the Minister with special responsibility for the arts.

There will be no major changes in the Government's policies towards the arts, which are generally on the right lines. In particular the present system whereby independent bodies such as the Arts Council have control of the detailed distribution of public funds for various sectors of the arts will continue.

In present economic circumstances the Government cannot devote as many resources to the arts as they would ideally like to do. The need for additional support from the public and from private sources is, therefore, greater than ever. There is considerable scope for increased arts patronage from private individuals and companies, with fuller use of the advantages which such support enjoys under the existing tax rules. An explanatory memorandum about these rules is being prepared and will be available shortly, so that potential private patrons can become better conversant with them.

The Government believe that patronage of the arts is an important way in which firms can demonstrate their concern for the quality of the environment and of society. I agree with the view expressed by the TUC in its consultation document on the arts that a further expansion of industrial sponsorship would be welcome. Artistic enterprises will also have to keep to the maximum the amount that can be earned from the box office.

The Government attach importance to the encouragement of artistic activity outside London. The national companies, in the Government's view, have an obligation to perform regularly and widely outside the capital. The Government envisage a flourishing partnership between the regional arts associations and the Arts Council in which the Council remains the instrument of distributing Government money and the associations provide the best means of bringing together all local interests in a constructive way. As stated in Cmnd. 6348, the new Assemblies will be responsible for the arts in Scotland and Wales after devolution.

These matters will be pursued with the Arts Council.

As regards historic buildings, the owners or occupiers will be encouraged to continue living in and maintaining them whilst giving reasonable access to the general public. In pursuance of this policy this Government have already substantially increased grants towards the repair costs of outstanding buildings. The Government have also introduced conditional exemption from capital transfer tax and capital gains tax for transfers of outstanding historic buildings, together with reliefs from these taxes for funds set up for the maintenance and preservation of outstanding historic buildings. The Government reaffirm the high importance they attach to this part of our heritage and its preservation.