HC Deb 04 June 1984 vol 61 cc1-3W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts what discussions have taken place with the Arts Council about the future of the South Bank in the event of the abolition of the Greater London Council.

Mr. Waldegrave

[pursuant to his reply, 24 Ma) 1984, c. 447]: Discussions have been held, and are continuing, with the Arts Council on detailed arrangements for the South Bank complex.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State answering respect of the Arts what discussions have taken place with the Corporation of the City of London regarding the future funding of the Museum of London in the event of the abolition of the Greater London Council.

Mr. Waldegrave

[pursuant to his reply, 24 May 1984, c. 447]: The Office of Arts and Libraries is discussing possible arrangements with officers of the Corporation of the City of London, within the framework of the Government's announced intention that the future funding of the Museum of London should be shared between the Government and the corporation. The corporation's views are under consideration.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts what body will be responsible for administering Kenwood house, Marble Hill house and Rangers house in the event of the abolition of the Greater London council.

Mr. Waldegrave

[pursuant to his reply, 24 May 1984, c. 447]: As I indicated in my answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Mr. Forman) on 11 April column 261, this is a matter for further discussion with the parties concerned. My noble Friend the Minister for the Arts is not yet in a position to announce detailed arrangements.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts what discussions have taken place concerning the future of those museums and art galleries in each area not named in the recent announcement about additional funding for the arts in the event of the abolition of the metropolitan county councils.

Mr. Waldegrave

[pursuant to his reply, 24 May 1984, c. 447–8]: The Government's announcement on 11 April about the future funding of museums and art galleries affected by the abolition of the GLC and metropolitan county councils took account of the representations received during the earlier consultations. As the announcement indicated, precise methods of central funding will in the cases specified be a matter for discussion with the Museums and Galleries Commission and the parties concerned, while those museums and galleries not identified for inclusion in the central funding arrangements will in general become the responsibility of the relevant borough or district councils.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts if he will ensure that the additional central funding provided for the performing arts, films and museums in the years after 1986–87, in the event of the abolition of the Greater London council and the metropolitan county councils, is at a level not less than the –34 million announced in his answer of 11 April 1984 at column 261 at 1986–87 prices.

Mr. Waldegrave

[pursuant to his reply, 24 May 1984, c. 448]: The planned central Government expenditure programme for arts and libraries for 1986–87, contained in Cmnd. 9143, has since been increased by £34 million in the light of the announcement on 11 April. The Government's existing public expenditure plans do not extend beyond 1986–87; planned provision for 1987–88 will be determined in the course of the 1984 public expenditure survey, and that for later years in future annual surveys. As the 11 April announcement indicated, however, it is the Government's intention to make available equivalent sums in later years for the purposes described.