§ 53. Mr. JesselTo ask the Minister for the Arts how far Government provision for support of the arts takes into account the benefits to the national economy.
§ Mr. LuceI am glad to acknowledge the importance of the performing and visual arts, and of the museums, galleries and libraries, to the nation's quality of life and to the education and economic opportunities and the environment of people in this country. The arts are a significant and expanding sector of the economy, a valuable stimulus to tourism, and a source of export earnings for Britain. This is a source both of congratulation and of opportunity to the arts and heritage sectors.