§ Mr. Beithasked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts what representations he has received about future public funding for the National Federation of Music Societies; and what replies he has given.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy noble Friend has received a considerable number of representations about the future public funding of the National Federation of Music Societies. The replies that he has given have stressed that he welcomes the Arts Council's strategy review which is intended to free resources for innovation and development, particularly in the regions. He has pointed out that the decisions taken in the course of that review, including the decision to devolve to regional arts associations the funds currently spent through the National Federation of Music Societies, are matters for the Arts Council, and that representations should be addressed to it.