§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has to increase the level of funding for the arts in the south-west. [11956]
§ Mr. SproatThe Government are committed to helping support a lively and accessible artistic tradition by continued public subsidy for the arts. We have continued to offer substantial support for the arts despite overall pressures on public expenditure. In November, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced funding of700W £186 million for the Arts Council of England in 1997–98, an increase of £3.2 million over the baseline on which the Arts Council was asked to plan.
It is for the Arts Council of England to determine the allocation of grant in aid to the 10 regional arts boards, including South West Arts. It takes such decisions independently of Ministers, and in the light of relative needs and priorities. In addition, the south-west continues to benefit from the proceeds of the national lottery. So far, the lottery has provided £27,000,000 towards improving and increasing the availability and quality of the arts in the region.