Lord Storey
Main Page: Lord Storey (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Lord Storey
My Lords, the Minister will be aware—as the noble Baroness opposite said—that many local authorities have made disproportionate cuts when making savings, including local authorities that are run by her party. Will the Minister assure us that the Government will do all in their power to ensure that young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, will be able to access the arts?
Baroness Rawlings
My Lords, my noble friend is absolutely right that some local authorities have cut more than others. He is also right that we should encourage the private sector into sponsorship. This is exactly what the coalition Government announced yesterday in the draft clauses of the 2012 Finance Bill. There will be legislative provision for a new cultural gifts scheme.