HC Deb 23 June 1959 vol 607 cc1018-20
37. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware of the grants being given to Sadlers Wells Opera House by the London County Council; and whether he will bring this action to the attention of all local authorities, reminding them of their powers under Section 132 of the Local Government Act, 1948, and urging them to give similar encouragment and support to the theatres in their areas.

Mr. Bevins

My right hon. Friend is aware of the London County Council's decision. It is for each local authority to decide for itself whether and how it will use its powers to contribute to the provision of entertainment, and my right hon. Friend does not think that it would be appropriate for him to offer advice.

Mr. Jeger

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that this fine and generous gesture by the London County Council should be brought to the attention of other local authorities, particularly in those areas where the local theatres are in risk of closing and where the local authorities might subsequently take steps to reopen the theatres at great expense, whereas by the application of Section 132 of the Local Government Act, 1948, they might save their local theatres at very little expense?

Mr. Bevins

Local authorities in general are perfectly well aware of what their powers are. The Report which has just been made to the Gulbenkian Foundation by a group including Lord Bridges will emphasise to local authorities what their powers are, but that Report indicated very clearly that it would be wrong for Whitehall and Westminster to give direction to local authorities on matters of this kind.

Sir G. Nicholson

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a great tendency for all moneys to be spent on the arts to be concentrated in London and one or two larger cities? Many valuable little local repertory theatres and other dramatic and cultural undertakings seem to be left in the cold and are in danger of dwindling away. Will he use what authority and influence his Department has to see whether, be it local authorities or the Arts Council, these small undertakings are not overlooked?

Mr. Bevins

If any local authority, large or small, wants to undertake assistance of this sort, my right hon. Friend is perfectly prepared to look at loan applications with very great sympathy.