§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster how much the Royal Shakespeare Company received in grant-aid from the Arts Council in the financial year 1979–80; how this compares with the amount it has received for each year since 1974; and if he will list the percentage increase in the grant each year from 1974.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasThe Royal Shakespeare Company has been offered £1.8 million for the current year. The total grant paid, and the percentage increase on the grant for each year, are:
£ Percentage increase over previous year 1974–75 713,500 — 1975–76 915,000 28 1976–77 1,005,673 10 1977–78 1,365,000 36 1978–79 1,838,486 35
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster what discussions has he held with private companies concerning financial aid to the Royal Shakespeare Company; and how much he believes can be derived from this source.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasThis is a matter for the Royal Shakespeare Company and its potential sponsors. I have had discussions on the general question of sponsorship with the Association for Business Sponsorship of the Arts.