HC Deb 29 November 1977 vol 940 cc175-6W
52. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will take steps to alter the constitution of the Arts Council in order to make it a democratic body.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

The present form of constitution enables the Council to perform the functions laid down in its charter effectively and for the benefit of the ordinary taxpayer who supports it.

Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will publish in the Official Report the total cost of the administration of the Arts Council in each of the last 10 years.

Mr. Oakes

In the Arts Council's annual reports figures are published under "General Operating Costs". The report for 1976–77 will be published early in December. The figures for the years 1966–67 to 195–76 are as follow:

£000s
1966–67 244
1967–68s 319
1968–69 443
1969–70 513
1970–71 569
1971–72 668
1972–73 732
1973–74 946
1974–75 1,247
1975–76 1,538

These figures represent between some 4 per cent. and 5 per cent. of the Council's total expenditure.