HC Deb 08 April 1986 vol 95 c86W
Mr. Wareing

asked the Minister for the Arts what is his latest assessment of the implications for the level of grant to arts organisations of the abolition of Merseyside county council.

Mr. Luce

The whole burden of supporting museums and galleries on Merseyside, and a major share of the cost of supporting the performing arts, is being assumed out of central Government funding. The five district councils are being relieved of substantial precepts, and I hope that we shall soon have a positive commitment from them all.