§ 26. Sir David Priceasked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts why the annual purchase grant for the National Gallery has been reduced from £3.33 million for 1984–85 to £2.75 million for 1985–86; and what is the real reduction in the purchasing power of the grant, given the anticipated level of inflation and the higher rate of increase in saleroom prices for major works of art
§ Mr. WaldegraveIn allocating the arts budget for 1985–86, my right hon. and noble Friend decided to give greater emphasis to the conservation and housing of collections than to new acquisitions. The National Gallery's net running costs provision will be increased by 5.3 per cent. above the current year; and it should benefit from the 15 per cent. rise in the overall museum and gallery building and maintenance programme. The real value of its purchasing grant will depend on future price levels of relevant works of art, which cannot be predicted.