§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Minister for the Arts what information he has on the percentage by which grants from the Arts Council to the regional arts associations have increased since 1979.
§ Mr. LuceBetween 1979–80 and 1990–91 the Arts Council's grant to the regional arts associations increased from £6,362,017 to £33,146,000. This represents a cash increase of 521 per cent. and a real terms increase of 244 per cent.
§ Sir Thomas ArnoldTo ask the Minister for the Arts what representations he has received about his proposals to enlarge the role of the regional arts associations.
§ Mr. LuceMy announcement on 13 March was welcomed by the House, the Arts Council and the regional arts associations. I have also received a number of other messages of support.