Oral Answers to Questions

Caroline Dinenage Excerpts

Monday 25th October 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Vaizey]

Although the overall grant to the Arts Council has gone down by 29%, we have asked the Arts Council to limit the cut to arts organisations to just 15%, and when we take into account the significant increase in funds from the national lottery, the overall cut to the Arts Council will be below 12%. That is very good news, and I hope that the hon. Gentleman will congratulate the Secretary of State on such a fine settlement.

[Caroline Dinenage (Gosport) (Con)]

Will the Minister please confirm that this Government will not repeat the mistakes of the previous Government and ensure that national lottery funding is kept to its original purpose, which includes funding the arts?

[Mr Vaizey]

I am pleased to reassure my hon. Friend that we will not repeat any of the mistakes of the previous Government.