46. Dr. Srrossasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider appointing a committee to recommend on the desirability of co-ordinating the various forms of assistance at present directed to fostering the fine arts and the cultural and artistic amenities of the general public, and the creation of a new Ministry for this purpose.
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that such a committee would be helpful, and I have no intention of setting up another Government Department.
§ Dr. StrossWhilst one accepts that it may be undesirable to set up another Government Department, is the Prime Minister aware that there are 250 local authority museums with an expenditure which totals only £150,000 gross, and that the Bowes-Lyon Museum, a great private gallery, is likely to close next year? Will he receive a deputation from Members of both sides of the House to put some further details to him on this matter?
§ The Prime MinisterI would certainly make arrangements for such a deputation to be received.
Mr. DugdaleWill the Prime Minister at least assure us that he is not in agreement with the Minister of Education of a foreign country who stated that the only kind of culture he was interested in was horticulture, agriculture and physical culture?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not know whether that comes in as any point in our discussions.