§ Mr. FisherTo ask the Minister for the Arts when he intends to publish the report "Arts in the Inner Cities", by Mr. Paul Collard.
§ Mr. Luce[holding answer 8 February 1988]: I have considered a survey submitted by Mr. Paul Collard and am placing a copy in the Library, together with a working document by the Arts Council, which I warmly welcome.
The Government do not accept many of the statements or recommendations in Mr. Collard's survey, in particular those elements which over-emphasise central intervention and the role of the public sector. I do not intend to publish it.
The Government believe that the arts can play an important part in helping to revitalise the inner cities, particularly where they have the support of local and private sector interests. Arts bodies do, however, need to present more clearly what they have to offer. I shall be considering how best to assist this over the next few months.