HC Deb 12 December 1983 vol 50 cc332-4W
30. Mr. Fisher

asked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts whether he has met the chairman and secretary general of the Arts Council to discuss the Government's grant to the Arts Council for 1984–85.

Mr. Waldegrave

My noble Friend has discussed the requirements of the Arts Council with the chairman and secretary general on more than one occasion. He expects to be able to make a statement before the Christmas recess.

Mr. Fisher

asked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts how much has been spent, at 1982–83 prices, and in cash terms, on literature by the Arts Council in each of the last five years.

Mr. Waldegrave

[pursuant to his reply, 5 December 1983, c. 5–6.]: Spending by the Arts Council, centrally., was as follows:

£ Thousands
At current prices At 1982–83 prices (cost terms)
1978–79 578.5 948.4
1979–80 611.5 849.3
1980–81 680.4 803.3
1981–82 674.6 723.8
1982–83 747.8 747.8

Mr. Fisher

asked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the arts what is the expenditure per capita on the Arts (a) nationally, (b) in each of the 12 English regional arts association areas, (c) in Wales and (d) in Scotland.

Mr. Waldegrave

[pursuant to his reply, 5 December 1983, c. 5–6.]: As indicated to the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Banks) on 23 November, the expenditure per capita on the arts in England was £14.14 in 1982–83. Details of expenditure in the England regions are not readily available. Expenditure in Wales and Scotland is a matter for the Secretaries of State concerned.

Mr. Fisher

asked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts what proportion of the Arts Council's grant has been spent on literature in each of the last five years.

Mr. Waldegrave

[pursuant to his reply, 5 December 1983, c. 5–6.]: The proportion allocated centrally for literature by the Arts Council was as follows:

Per cent.
1978–79 1.12
1979–80 0.97
1980–81 0.96
1981–82 0.84
1982–83 0.82

Some support for literature was also provided by regional arts associations, which are partly funded by the Arts Council.

Mr. Fisher

asked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts what percentage of the 1982 supplementary grant to the Arts Council was spent on (a) national companies, (b) regional arts associations, (c) drama and (d) literature.

Mr. Waldegrave

[pursuant to his reply, 5 December 1983, c. 5–6]: The percentages directly allocated by the Arts Council of Great Britain were as follows:

per cent.
National companies 35.0
Regional arts associations 9.6
Drama, other than national companies 7.6
Literature 0.2

Mr. Fisher

asked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts how many new theatres were built with financial assistance from the Arts Council in each of the past 15 years; and which were these theatres, listed year by year.

Mr. Waldegrave

[pursuant to his reply, 5 December 1983, c. 6.] Following is the information requested:

Name Year of opening Number
1968
Thorndike theatre, Leatherhead 1969 1
Name Year of opening Number
1970
Repertory theatre, Birmingham 1971 2
Crucible theatre, Sheffield
Playhouse, Derby 1972 1
Haymarket theatre, Leicester 1973 1
1974
1975
Eden Court theatre, Inverness 1976 2
Royal Exchange theatre, Manchester
Churchill theatre, Bromley 1977 1
1978
1979
Wolsey theatre, Ipswich 1980 1
Festival theatre, Pitlochry 1981 2
Theatre Royal, Plymouth 1982 2
Orchard theatre, Dartford
Repertory theatre, Dundee

All these are buildings designed and built as theatres; assistance has also been given for the building of arts centres containing theatre accommodation, and for the refurbishment of existing theatres.

Mr. Fisher

asked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts if, when he next meets the chairman of the Arts Council, he will discuss the provision of advice by outside experts to the council's education liaison officer; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

[pursuant to his reply, 5 December 1983, c. 6.] My noble Friend and the chairman of the Arts Council discuss arts matters as necessary, including those relating to education.