HALIFAX - Last summer's Paul McCartney concert in Halifax was partially funded by taxpayers to the tune of $600,000, Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter confirmed Tuesday.

Dexter said the money went towards such things as advertising and logistical support.

He said the commitment was made by the previous Conservative government through a marketing campaign administered by the Tourism Department.

He said a $3.5-million guarantee to cover McCartney's artist fee was also offered to private promoter Power Promotions.

"There was a guarantee put in place at the time but it was never realized because the ticket sales for the concert were able to pay the artist fee," said Dexter.

He admitted that had ticket sales not been sufficient, "we would have been on the hook for it."

An estimated 50,000 people took in the concert by the former Beatle last July on the Halifax Common.

While Dexter doesn't rule out more provincial support for private ventures, he said they must be approached cautiously.

The premier said there has to be a sufficient cost-benefit analysis of the business case before the government makes a financial commitment.

Dexter said the McCartney promoter came back to his government once it took power following the June 9 election and asked for more money.

He said a specific figure wasn't provided and the promoter was turned down in light of the financial stake the province already had in the concert.

"It seemed like we had far and away done the lion's share with respect to that particular promotion," said Dexter.