HC Deb 19 June 1956 vol 554 cc1217-8
17. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the continuing losses on Covent Garden and the need for a change in the administrative and artistic policy, he will consider removing the subsidy responsibility from the Arts Council and making a direct grant in aid with a condition that a new board independent of the Council should be established on lines similar to those of the Tate Gallery and other national museums.

Mr. H. Macmillan

No, Sir. I regard it as very desirable that the Arts Council should continue to adjudicate upon the competing claims for the Government grant which it at present administers.

Dame Irene Ward

While being a wholehearted supporter of the generous subsidising of the arts, might I ask if my right hon. Friend is aware that a great many knowledgeable people think that there should be a complete alteration, artistic and administrative, in the management of Covent Garden, which is now wasting a great deal of public money? I do not dissent from my right hon. Friend's remarks about the Arts Council, but is my right hon. Friend further aware that I do not think that the Arts Council is strong enough, either in personality or in argument, to deal with the management of Covent Garden, and will he take some steps to strengthen it?

Mr. Macmillan

I have to deal with a large number of Parliamentary Questions and a great number of letters and approaches to me, some wanting more public money to be spent on Covent Garden and about an equal number wishing a less sum of money to be spent on Covent Garden, so I find the inter-position of the Arts Council quite a convenient instrument.

Dame Irene Ward

Everyone wants Covent Garden cleaned up.

Mr. Speaker

Order. Mr. Bennett.