HC Deb 03 July 1952 vol 503 cc618-9
36. Mr. Benn

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action is taken by his Department to make sure that the grants from the public funds administered by the Arts Council are, in fact, used for the purpose for which they were given.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)

The Arts Council of Great Britain is an independent body established under a Royal Charter. I have no reason to think that any grants are not used for the purposes for which they are given. The accounts of the Council are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General and are published in the Annual Report.

Mr. Benn

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether his Department takes a fatherly interest in the projects which the Arts Councils sponsor, and whether he would consider trying to save the Old Vic Theatre School, which is due for extinction owing to the unwise appropriation of its funds?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

There is another Question on the Order Paper relating to that matter.