§ 35. Mr. ColvinTo ask the Minister for the Arts by how much the demand for business sponsorship incentive scheme awards exceeds the funding available; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RentonThe business sponsorship incentive scheme has been very successful in attracting sponsorship, with 2,075 sponsors and £45 million new money for the arts since 1984. The scheme is currently confined to new sponsors and demand for matching awards is close to the current ceiling of £3.5 million. From 1992–93 the annual budget will be increased to £4.5 million to help sustain the continuing growth in business sponsorship of the arts.