§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will ensure that her Department's grant to the Arts Council is announced in sufficient time for regional arts associations to be told what their level of grant will be much earlier than they were in the current year; and whether she will consider introducing a three-year programme for these grants.
§ Mr. Oakes:My right hon. Friend makes a formal announcement to Parliament as soon as possible after the relevant discussions have been completed. It is, however, the practice to give the Arts 174W Council interim guidance for planning purposes on the range within which the total grant will fall. The annual public expenditure White Papers show the programme of current and capital provision for"Arts Council and other arts"at constant prices for four years ahead.