FUNDING FOR THE ARTS

That this House is greatly concerned at the damage being done to our cultural industries by the current programme of cuts; recognises the record of success of the arts and culture in the UK, both economically and culturally; appreciates that Arts Council England was faced with some difficult decisions after its 30 per cent. funding cut; and notes that the widespread cuts, starting to be implemented by local authorities as a result of budgetary constraints, will have far-reaching consequences for the arts in the UK and will signal severe difficulties for some, and the beginning of the end for other respected and innovative arts organisations.