HC Deb 18 February 1994 vol 237 cc1009-10W
Mr. Richards

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will announce the chairman of the Arts Council of Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Wyn Roberts

I am pleased to announce that my right hon. Friend has appointed Sir Richard Lloyd Jones as chairman designate of the new Arts Council of Wales from 1 April 1994.

Sir Richard has held a wide range of posts in the civil service, culminating as permanent secretary at the Welsh Office between 1985 and 1993. He has a strong personal interest in the arts and will provide a sound leadership for the council.

I also pay tribute to the current chairman of the Welsh Arts Council, Mr. Mathew Prichard CBE, who is retiring on 31 March 1994. Mr. Prichard has held that office since 1 April 1986 and has made a valuable contribution to the arts in Wales. I am grateful to him for his sterling work.

I intend to announce the rest of the membership of the Arts Council of Wales shortly.