§ Mr. Wareingasked the Minister for the Arts if he will outline the provision for the funding of the arts in the county of Merseyside from 1 April 1986; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Luce[pursuant to his reply, 28 October 1985, c. 315]: The Government announced last year that £34 million of additional central funding would be made available in 1986–87 for support of the performing ants, film and museums following the abolition of the GLC and metropolitan county councils, after allowing for a contribution from borough and district authorities relieved of precepts. Of this sum, £16 million for the performing arts would be administered by the Arts Council and £1 million for film by the British Film Institute. The remaining £17 million would be for museums.
It will be for the Arts Council and British Film Institute to determine, from within the resources available to them, the funding which they will pass to bodies in the area now administered by Merseyside county council. A new national trustee body will be established by Order in Council under section 46 of the Local Government Act 1985 to own and manage the bulk of the existing Merseyside museums and art galleries service. Its budget for 1986–87, which has yet to be determined, will be met from within the additional £17 million for museums.