Royal National Eisteddfod

HC Deb 26 October 1979 vol 972 c314W

Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he proposes to provide financial assistance for the Royal National Eisteddfod of Wales.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

Subject to the approval of Parliament I propose to offer the Eisteddfod council financial assistance of up to £70,000 in the current financial year and up to £120,000 in 1980–81. Furthermore, I propose to tell the Eisteddfod authorities that they can plan for the future in the expectation of limited financial assistance from the Welsh Office on an annual basis subject to advance approval of their proposals and to public expenditure constraints. I hope that this will enable them to formulate long term plans so that the Eisteddfod can continue on a realistic and financially sound footing.