§ 20. Mr. Holtasked the President of the Board of Trade what annual grants or subscriptions the British Institute of Management is receiving from all Government sources; and if he will make a statement of policy indicating whether it is intended to continue subsidising this institution.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Peter Thorneycroft)In the current year the Board of Trade is paying a grant-in-aid to the British Institute of Management of £50,000. Besides this, a sum of nearly £1,000 is paid in the form of subscriptions from different Government Departments. These correspond to the subscriptions paid by private firms and individuals, and for them the Departments receive the services given to subscribers to the Institute. Future policy is under consideration.
§ Mr. HoltHow much is paid by the nationalised industries to B.I.M.? Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is very difficult for B.I.M. to decide the scope of their activities if they do not know the policy of the Government on grants? Will he also bear in mind the somewhat difficult position of the voluntary institutions and societies, who have been going on for generations without Government aid, and who, in some degree at any rate, are competitive with B.I.M., which is subsidised?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a Question down on the subject of the subscriptions of the nationalised industries. In reply to the second part of his supplementary, future policy, including the matter raised, is under consideration at the present time.