HC Deb 17 November 1959 vol 613 cc960-1
20. Mr. Hale

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister of Welsh Affairs whether, in view of recent judicial decisions, he will introduce legislation to amend the Scientific Societies Act, 1843, with a view to protecting certain national organisations for education and learning from the effects of new burdens imposed upon them.

Mr. H. Brooke

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Bosworth (Mr. Wyatt) on 12th November.

Mr. Hale

I have a financial interest in this question. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the London Library, for example, which has rendered incalculable services to literature, is now being faced with a wholly exorbitant demand? Is he aware that this is a non-profit-making organisation and that this demand is very largely because of the technical point that much of its cultural work is conducted under the same roof by separate trust organisations? Would not the right hon. Gentleman look into this matter and see whether some steps can be taken to help an organisation which does not seek to make a penny for itself, which is voluntarily served to a great extent, and is of very great importance in the realms of literature and the arts?

Mr. Brooke

It is because all these matters seemed to me to need looking into that I appointed the Pritchard Committee last year to present a report to me. That Report was published a few months ago. It was unanimous. It is now under consideration and we are anxious to receive the views of all interested bodies or individuals before reaching a decision on what legislation may be necessary.

Hon. Members

How long?

Sir G. Nicholson

Has my right hon. Friend observed a recent decision affecting children's orphanages and homes? Will he bring that aspect under review at the same time?

Mr. Brooke

I noticed that decision. I should not like to say anything about it on the spur of the moment, but there is no doubt whatever that the Pritchard Committee's Report must give rise to legislation and there will be opportunities in due course for the House to consider these difficult and complicated matters.

Mr. Bevan

Cannot we have some more urgency about it? As far as I know, the right hon. Gentleman's Department has no other legislation at the moment. He has plenty of people over there to digest this. Could he not get a move on a little faster?

Mr. Brooke

Yes, Sir, we have other legislation on the stocks. In any case, the present liability to rates is frozen until 1963. Before then, I hope that there will be an opportunity to legislate.