§ 49. Sir R. Boothbyasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of recent expressions of public concern, he will reconsider his decision not to hold an inquiry into the methods by which public funds are at present allocated to the arts.
§ 52. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Prime Minister if he will consider the setting up of a body on the lines of the University Grants Committee to co-ordinate the requirements of the national art collections and museums, and to allocate among them such assistance as the state is able to provide, preferably on a quinquennial basis.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries already co-ordinates requirements and recommends priorities for the national art collections and museums. On the wider question I do not think a general inquiry is called for.
§ Sir R. BoothbyHas the Prime Minister's attention been called to the Romanes Lecture of Lord Bridges? In view of the vast experience of Lord Bridges in these matters, will the right hon. Gentleman give his proposals made in the Romanes Lecture very serious consideration?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot say that I have read the full text of the lecture; I have other things to do. But I have got to know of what was in his mind and I have a summary of it. I will think further about the matter, but frankly I do not feel that a full inquiry of the kind envisaged is likely to be the best machinery.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs the Prime Minister aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction among those concerned, not only about the volume of State assistance to the arts, but about the method of allocation? Is he aware that this idea of Lord Bridges was canvassed by some of us in this House two or three years ago, and in view of the fact that Lord Bridges' advice has been accepted on frequent occasions by Governments in the past, will he reconsider this matter as one of great urgency?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think I can agree to reconsider it, but I will certainly give it further attention if I can and discuss it with my colleagues.
Mrs. WhiteIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the basis of allocating grants annually makes it impossible for the public to get really good value for the money that it spends and that only a quinquennial grant or something of that nature is regarded by those who study these matters as the satisfactory way of dealing with it?
§ The Prime MinisterI will certainly consider something in the nature of a block grant, if that is what the hon. Lady means.
§ Mr. GaitskellIn view of the amount of concern shown in this matter, would the Prime Minister consider inviting Lord Bridges to meet him to discuss the whole problem with him?
§ The Prime MinisterOf course, I shall be very happy to discuss it with Lord Bridges if he wishes to discuss it with me.