§ 46. Mr. Greyasked the Lord President of the Council why the North-east of England with its dense population and concentrated industry has been omitted from the scheme to celebrate the Festival of Britain in 1951; and whether he will take steps to rectify this omission.
§ The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)It is not correct that the North-east has been omitted from the Festival of Britain scheme. Newcastle-upon-Tyne is one of the small number of cities to be visited by the Travelling Exhibition of the Festival; and York has been invited to co-operate as a centre for one of the official Festivals of the arts. The North-east of England is free to promote other celebrations in 1951. The advice of the Festival of Britain Office and of the Arts Council and other bodies concerned in the Festival will be available for this purpose.
§ Mr. MorrisonI understand that Durham has been considering activities. It must be understood that the national organisation cannot itself take responsibility for every city in the land, but it is taking some responsibility for a number. However, I rely a good deal on local initiative and the self-expression of the localities themselves. That is more in accordance with our democracy than universal State umbrellas.
§ Mr. WilkesCan the Lord President of the Council say how long it is intended that this exhibition should be shown in Newcastle?
§ Mr. MorrisonNo, Sir, I could not.