§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what measures he is taking to promote the performing arts in England; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. BrookeThe Government recognise the great value of the arts in this country both for their own sake and for their contribution to the economy. It is one of the objectives of the Department of National Heritage to encourage the living arts to flourish.
The Government have demonstrated their commitment to the arts through the generous settlements which the Arts Council has received. Since the Government took office in 1979, the Arts Council's grant has increased by 45 per cent. in real terms. Even within the present restraints on public expenditure, I have been able to increase the Arts Council's grant this year by £4.4 million to £225.6 million, a rise in cash terms of 2 per cent.