§ 1. Dr. Strossasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education how many education committees have made use of their recent powers to purchase works of art to be displayed in their schools; and whether he will give an estimate of the annual amount of grant he will have to offer for this purpose.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Sir Edward Boyle)Local education authorities have long had power to purchase works of art. Since my noble Friend's specific approval is not required, he has no comprehensive information about their expenditure under this head.
§ Dr. StrossIs it not a fact, nonetheless, that the former Minister of Education reminded local authorities of these powers? May we have an assurance that every encouragement will be given to education authorities throughout the country to make full use of them? Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in Stoke-on-Trent, where this power has been used for a very long time, we think it is one of the reasons why our children can draw and paint better than children in any other part of the country?
§ Sir E. BoyleThe hon. Gentleman is correct in the first part of what he says, and I will not quarrel with what he says about Stoke-on-Trent.