To ask the Minister for the Arts what information he has on the level of support for the Arts by private and corporate donations since 1979.

Comprehensive figures on donations to arts organisations are not available. I know, however, that they make a much valued contribution to the well-being of the arts. The gift aid scheme introduced in October 1990 has already attracted £ 200 million in donations to United Kingdom charities. The decision of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor to reduce the minimum threshold on qualifying gifts will provide a further important stimulus to charitable giving from which the arts and other good causes will derive substantial benefit.