§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on conserving, developing and promoting the cultural heritage of Scotland through folk music.
§ Mr. BrookeI have been asked to reply.
Support for Scottish folk music is the responsibility of the Scottish Arts Council. Since 1984 the council has provided annual revenue support for the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland. Financial assistance has also been given to a growing number of traditional music and folk festivals. This year, the sum allocated was £53,385.
In addition, in 1992 the council established a traditional music development fund which, as well as supporting a number of education projects, supports the Greentrax Record Company which is re-releasing valuable traditional music source material. The fund totals £50,000.
This year the council also provided financial support for Gaelic arts amounting to £73,880.