HC Deb 24 March 1986 vol 94 cc386-7W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Minister for the Arts if South Bank board members are allowed to charge the cost of travelling from abroad to attend board meetings or business; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luce

The question has not arisen.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Minister for the Arts (1) what part South Bank board members play in respect of bookings for artists on the South Bank; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what guidelines are given to South Bank board members who may wish to engage artists for paid employment on the South Bank and with whom they have a personal or professional connection; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luce

Bookings for artists will continue to be made by the concert halls' planning department which will on 1 April 1986 come under the supervision of the general director (arts).

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Minister for the Arts if he will take steps to prevent South Bank board members receiving fees for performances on the South Bank organised or originated by the board; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luce

I shall write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Minister for the Arts if, pursuant to his reply of 17 March, Official Report, column 87, he will provide a breakdown of the travel costs paid by the Arts Council for the fact-finding visits to the United States of America, Canada and Australia by Mr. Pulford and Mr. Grierson according to (a) journey, (b) mode and class of travel and (c) a breakdown of subsistence according to (i) hotel costs and (ii) per diem subsistence allowances; and how long the visits lasted.

Mr. Luce

All subsistence paid to Mr. Grierson and Mr. Pulford was at Civil Service per diem rates.

Mr. Grierson's travel as far as Los Angeles, and the greater part of his expenses in North America, were not paid for by the Arts Council. Where Mr. Grierson's fares were charged to the Arts Council, they were charged at club class rates. Mr. Pulford's round-the-world ticket was the standard club-class excursion fare. Mr. Grierson's visit lasted 16 days, and Mr. Pulford's 19 days.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Minister for the Arts, pursuant to his reply of 17 March, Official Report, column 87, when he expects the contract of employment between the general director (administration) and the South Bank board to be issued.

Mr. Luce

The contract will be issued shortly.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Minister for the Arts, pursuant to his reply of 17 March, Official Report, column 88, which contractors for which services have been accepted by the South Bank board.

Mr. Luce

The information is as follows:

Contractor
Security contract Argus Shield
Cleaning contract (internal) Blue Arrow Company
Cleaning contract (external) Pall Mall
Maintenance contract Matthew Hall