Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what steps she has taken to encourage the new local authorities to become the chief art patrons of the future;
(2) what proposals she intends to introduce as legislation to seek to give local authorities a statutory obligation to initiate, develop and support arts and entertainment facilities.
§ Mr. OakesThe local authorities set up under the Local Government Act 1972 have full powers to support the arts inside and outside their areas. My right hon. Friend has at present no proposal to impose an obligation on them in this respect.