§ 29. Mr. Haymanasked the Minister of Education what advice he proposes to give to local education authorities on the purchase of works of art by promising young artists; and to what extent such expenditure incurred by them will rank for Government grant.
§ Mr. VosperMy right hon. Friend does not think local education authorities require any special advice from him on this matter. If they can save money in other directions, he will recognise for grant reasonable expenditure on works of art for schools and colleges.
§ Mr. HaymanI thank the Minister for that very modified sanction for local education authorities. May I ask him to bear in mind that the policy of the Minister is striking seriously at a group of highly specialised teachers, who will be thrown out of work, and will he therefore modify the policy which he has recently adumbrated?
§ Mr. VosperWe are always prepared to examine each of these cases, but I think the policy of concentrating art courses has much to commend it on grounds other than of economy. I do not think the hon. 1582 Member is right in suggesting that these teachers will be unable to find other employment in the education service.