§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Minister for the Arts what discussions he has had with Professor Alan Peacock, chairman of the Scottish Arts Council, about the closure of art galleries in Edinburgh; what representations he has received on this matter; if he will instruct his Department to carry out an inquiry into the work of the Scottish Arts Council and its funding of the visual arts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RentonMy last meeting with the chairman of the Scottish Arts Council was during my visit to Scotland from 4 to 7 May. I am aware of the difficulties facing some Edinburgh art galleries, but I have received no written representations about them. I can see no need to call for an enquiry into the council's funding of the visual arts.
Central Government Grants to Local Authorities in England 1990–91 1991–92 £ million percentage £ million percentage Revenue support grant 9,490 44.8 9,674 35.2 Area protection grant1 88 0.4 485 1.8 Inner London education grant 102 0.3 70 0.3 Other current grants within AEF 3,146 14.9 7,760 28.3 Total AEF 12,827 60.6 17,989 65.5 Housing current grants 2,324 11.0 2,380 8.7 Other current grants outside AEF 5,050 23.9 5,845 21.3 Housing capital grants 337 1.6 456 1.7 Other capital grants 632 3.0 789 2.9 Total grants 21,170 100.0 27,459 100.0 1 Includes low rateable value areas grant.