§ 27. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Education if he will make a statement on the provision made in schools under his jurisdiction for the teaching, composing and execution of vocal and instrumental music and for the provision of the necessary instruments for those purposes; and if he will estimate how far the present rate of taxation on musical instruments restricts the teaching, composing and execution of music in such schools.
§ Sir E. BoyleSinging is taught in most maintained schools and an increasing number provide instruction in instrumental music for which instruments are normally provided on loan; composition is normally taught only to older pupils taking music as a special subject. I cannot give an estimate of the effect on instruction of the present rate of tax charged on the instruments used.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Minister not realise that Purchase Tax so increases the retail price of musical instruments as to discourage this form of culture? Will he consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer with a view to removing this invidious tax?
§ Sir E. BoyleI think that the hon and learned Gentleman should put that Question down to the Treasury. In addition, I would remind him—and this is important—that the standard of books on all aspects of music in school libraries is going up all the time.