§ 20. Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what steps she is taking to promote business sponsorship of the arts. [2853]
§ Mr. SproatMy Department actively encourages private sector support for the arts. The National Heritage arts sponsorship scheme—the pairing scheme—has brought in more than £110 million in new money to the arts since it started in 1984. We also give financial support to Business in the Arts' "board bank" scheme, launched earlier this year by my right hon. Friend, which encourages senior managers to offer their skills to arts organisations on a voluntary basis. The Department's policy document, "Setting the Scene", highlighted the importance of business sponsorship as part of a plural funding system for the arts.