§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what mechanism was used to divide moneys made available to local authorities for Euro 96; and in allocating funds what consideration was given to the fact that the ground of Manchester United is located in the borough of Trafford. [29967]
§ Mr. Sproat[holding answer 21 May 1996]: The Association of Metropolitan Authorities requested the funding and the Secretary of State agreed to provide it.
302WThe AMA identified in each case the local authority that would receive funding. In the case of Manchester, it has informed us that, although Old Trafford football stadium is in the borough of Trafford, the cultural events themselves will take place in areas under the jurisdiction of Manchester city council. Trafford council has a representative on the steering group which is overseeing that cultural programme.
§ Mr. LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what moneys have been made available to local authorities in respect of Euro 96; and for what purposes these sums have been granted. [29966]
§ Mr. Sproat[holding answer 21 May 1996]: The Department of National Heritage agreed in June 1995 to a request by the Association of Metropolitan Authorities for a contribution of £400,000 towards a core funding package of £800,000 for cultural events organised by the eight cities where Euro 96 matches are taking place. The Department has committed £100,000 in direct grant aid and a further £150,000 was earmarked within both the sportsmatch and Association for Business Sponsorship of the Arts schemes. The AMA assured us this would enable funds of about £2.5 million to be generated from other sources.
In addition, the Sports Council is contributing £130,000, the Football Association is contributing £160,000 and the Foundation for Sport and the Arts has approved £78,000 for specific cultural events. The national music festival will also focus this year on Euro 96 and help promote events in the eight cities.