§ Mr. Amessasked the Minister for the Arts if he will make a statement on measures to encourage the arts in regions outside London.
§ Mr. LuceI am concerned to ensure that excellence in the arts is accessible in all parts of the country. In the past three years, the Arts Council has instituted a number of regional developments in pursuance of its "Glory of the Garden" policies; the funding of the regional arts associations has been increased, untill they now receive over £19 million a year from the council (exclusive of Greater London Arts) and they have, in conjunction with local authorities, provided arts facilities in every region; the British Film Institute has facilitated the opening of media centres in Cardiff and Manchester; national museums have established branches outside London; and the Museum and Galleries Commission has taken steps to support touring exhibitions of works of art.