§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Prime Minister if she will clarify the matter of arts responsibilities and budgeting consequent upon the change of function from the Office of Arts and Libraries to the Department of Education and Science and upon the alteration of status of the Minister responsible from Cabinet rank to Minister of State.
§ The Prime MinisterI can assure the hon. Member that transfer of the office to the Department of Education and Science does not represent any change in the status of the arts. Whilst the formal transfer of functions will be from the Chancellor of the Duchy to the Secretary of State for Education and Science, my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Arts will have independent responsibility for the arts. He will have responsibility for the arts budget, which will continue to be separately identified in Public Expenditure White Papers. In addition, questions will be addressed separately to him in his own Question Time. My right hon. Friend will also be able to consult me directly.
I have made it clear from the first that I am convinced of the need for the arts to have their own independent voice in Government. I believe that these arrangements will continue to ensure it.