§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much money was provided by the Arts Council for the Sheffield festival 1991 and the Sheffield festival 1992; what guidance has been given by his Department to the Arts Council concerning continuity of funding and encouragement for the development of festivals aimed at both entertainment and urban regeneration; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KeyYorkshire Arts provided £14,500 in 1991 and its successor body, the Yorkshire and Humberside regional arts board, £10,750 in 1992. The very helpful contribution which the festival makes to urban regeneration was taken into account in these funding awards.
Decisions on funding allocations to arts organisations are taken at arm's length from the Government by the Arts Council and the regional arts boards. It is not for my Department to give specific guidance in this area.