§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the proposed total contribution of his Department towards the work of museums in England for 1979–80; and what percentage increase this shows over the assistance given in the current year.
§ Mr. OakesSubject to the approval of Parliament, the total estimate for 1979–80 in respect of institutions and organisations financed directly by the Department714W is £35,316,000, an increase of 18 per cent. over the corresponding estimate for 1978–79 together with Supplementary estimates in the course of the year. The arts programme also includes expenditure borne on the Department of the Environment's Votes for provision and maintenance of museum buildings. Moreover, the forecasts of expenditure on local authority libraries, museums and art galleries underlying the Government's rate support grant settlement for 1979–80 envisaged some modest growth over present levels and, in addition, the Department makes finance available to the University Grants Committee for university expenditure including expenditure on museums.