§ 35. Mr. Tony Banksasked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts if the proposals for the arts following the abolition of the Greater London council and the metropolitan counties as set out in the document which accompanied the White Paper reflected the advice he received from the Arts Council.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe Government's initial announcement of the intention to abolish the GLC and metropolitan county councils did not deal with the detailed implications for the arts. Proposals for these were first published in the consultation paper last month. The Arts Council's formal response is awaited.
§ Mr. Fisherasked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts how many meetings the Minister for the Arts has had since June 1983 with (a) the chairman of the Arts Council of Great Britain, (b) the secretary general of the Arts Council of Great Britain and (c) members of the council of the Arts Council of Great Britain; what subjects were discussed at these meetings; and when he expects next to meet any of these.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy noble Friend has met both the chairman and the secretary general on six occasions, and members on one occasion since June 1983. On all these occasions matters of current concern were discussed. He expects to have regular meetings with the chairman.