Written question asked by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 November 1996. It was answered by Iain Sproat (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 November 1996 on behalf of the Department of National Heritage.

Dept of National Heritage

Question: What estimate she has made of the level of public funding for the Arts per head of population (a) in the south west region, and (b) in the rest of Britain. - Includes figures. (Holding ansewr 18 November 1996).

Answer: Mr. Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what estimate she has made of the level of public funding for the arts per head of population (a) in the south-west region, and (b) in the rest of Britain. [3179] Mr. Sproat: [holding answer 18 November 1996]: Central Government funding for the arts in Britain, provided through the three arts councils, the Crafts Council and the Government's pairing scheme, amounts to £234 million in 1996-97. Additionally, local authorities spend a similar amount on the arts each year. From these sources the estimate of current level of public funding per capita on the arts in the south-west region is approximately £5.86, compared with an overall average £8.24 for England, Scotland and Wales. In addition, it is anticipated that the arts' share of lottery awards in England, Scotland and Wales will be in the region of £300 million this year, or £5.29 a head. There are also other sources of arts funding generated through Government expenditure: either directly, such as through the BBC--an estimated £300 per annum--or indirectly, such as through European spending programmes. Each of these elements of funding benefits the south-west alongside other areas of Britain.

Secondary information