§ 78. Mr. John GreenwayTo ask the Minister for the Arts why he has announced a three-year settlement for funding of the arts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceI announced the three-year settlement to carry forward the Government's long-term financial plan for the arts, which is to maintain the level of support from public funds in such a way as to encourage subsidised bodies to become more self-reliant in their development and growth. I can report that it has been extremely well received, and I believe that it will provide arts organisations with the incentive and the opportunity for effective long-term planning.