HC Deb 16 February 1954 vol 523 cc1813-4
47 and 48. Sir L. Plummer

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what grants the Arts Council is making in the present financial year to art galleries which are threatened with closing, or are in financial difficulties;

(2) if he is aware that many public art galleries dependent on trust funds are finding that their revenues are insufficient to keep them going; and whether he will take steps to provide such financial assistance as is required to prevent their closing.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I am aware that the Arts CouncilReport for 1952–53 drew attention to the difficulties of privately founded art galleries but I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary gave on 26th November to my hon. Friend, the Member for Westmorland (Mr. Vane). I am informed that the Arts Council has this year made a grant of £500 for certain specific activities at the Whitechapel Art Gallery. The Council would not, of course, make grants to municipal galleries.

Sir L. Plummer

Is the right hon.Gentleman aware that the prospect facing some of these galleries is very grave indeed because of the diminution of their revenue? In view of the tangible proof which he has given that he is interested in some of these galleries, will he try to do something to help the Arts Council to save them from extinction, particularly the Whitechapel Art Gallery?

Mr. Butler

I take it that the hon. Member is aware of the article in the Arts Council Report which I have in front of me, a copy of which I shall be glad tosend him. If he wishes me to pass further information to the Arts Council I will do so, but I do not wish to interfere with its discretion in the use of the funds which I have put at its disposal.