§ 101. Mr. KnapmanTo ask the Minister for the Arts what has been the effect of inflation upon the grant to the Arts Council over the last three years.
§ Mr. LuceOver the three years 1987–88 to 1989–90, the Arts Council's grant will have increased by 14.5 per cent. During the same period, inflation, as measured by the GDP deflator, will have increased by an estimated 20.8 per cent. I have taken these figures into account in deciding the Arts Council's grant for the next three years when it will increase by a further 22 per cent.