Regional Arts Associations

Mr. Butler
To ask the Minister for the Arts what information he has on the percentage by which grants from the Arts Council to the regional arts associations have increased since 1979.

Mr. Luce
Between 1979–80 and 1990–91 the Arts Council's grant to the regional arts associations increased from £6,362,017 to £33,146,000. This represents a cash increase of 521 per cent. and a real terms increase of 244 per cent.

Sir Thomas Arnold
To ask the Minister for the Arts what representations he has received about his proposals to enlarge the role of the regional arts associations.

Mr. Luce
My announcement on 13 March was welcomed by the House, the Arts Council and the regional arts associations. I have also received a number of other messages of support.