HC Deb 23 July 1957 vol 574 cc206-7
33. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how far he is consulted about appointments from Scotland to the Arts Council.

Mr. N. Macpherson

The Royal Charter incorporating the Arts Council of Great Britain provides that all members of the Council are to be appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer after consultation with the Minister of Education and the Secretary of State for Scotland. My right hon. Friend is fully consulted, therefore, about all appointments to the Arts Council, including those from Scotland.

Mr. Thomson

Is the Joint Under-Secretary aware of the dissatisfaction in Scotland about the composition of the Scottish Committee of the Arts Council, and that complaints have been made both by Equity, which is the actors' association, and the Scottish T.U.C.? Is he further aware that my information is that the Scottish Committee of the Arts Council is not fully utilising the funds made available to it by Parliament?

Mr. Macpherson

The second part of that supplementary question is another question. On the first part, the Committee is appointed by the Arts Council, with the consent of the Secretary of State for Scotland.