HC Deb 16 June 1992 vol 209 c516W
Mr. McMaster

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Scottish Office's relationship with the Department of National Heritage as regards the arts and broadcasting in Scotland.

Sir Hector Monro

[holding answer 11 June 1992]: The Secretary of State's responsibilities in the arts and broadcasting fields are not affected by the creation of the Department of National Heritage. He continues to be responsible for support of the cultural heritage of Scotland through his funding of the national institutions—the national galleries, library and museums of Scotland—the Scottish Museums Council, the Scottish Film Council and a number of Gaelic and other bodies. He is not responsible for support of the live and performing arts in Scotland; this function rests with the Secretary of State for the National Heritage. As regards broadcasting, the Secretary of State for Scotland's main responsibility is for the funding of Gaelic television. The Scottish Office will liaise with the Department of National Heritage in the same way as it did with the Departments previously responsible for the transferred functions.