§ 55. Mr. AtkinsonTo ask the Minister for the Arts if he has any plans to review the business sponsorship scheme for the arts in the light of the annual report of the Association for Business Sponsorship for the Arts for 1986–87, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceAs I announced on 26 January, the scheme has been revised and strengthened for 1988–89. The budget will be increased by over 70 per cent. from £1.75 million to £3 million to reflect the growth in sponsorship and will be operated in two six-monthly periods, on the basis of
348Wallocations reflecting the take-up pattern in previous years. This should ensure that adequate resources are available throughout the year.