§ 22. Dr. Strossasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the plans of the London County Council to celebrate, in 1964, the birth of William Shakespeare, 400 years earlier, and that 1050 these celebrations will include not only the City of London but the Commonwealth also; and if he will provide assistance to the London County Council, in view of the importance of this international occasion.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydI am aware of proposals for a Commonwealth Arts Festival in 1964 for which suggestions of rate and tax contribution have been mooted. I am not in a position to make any statement.
§ Dr. StrossIs the Chancellor aware that the plans in mind include building an art gallery, a national theatre and a conference hall, that the total cost to be borne will be less than £5 million, and that this would make the South Bank one of the great cultural centres of the world? If the Chancellor cares about such things, and we all hope he does, will he take action when he is approached to see that such plans may be brought to a fruitful end?
§ Mr. LloydI am certainly aware of the 1964 Festival and I have no doubt that very soon I shall be approached about the matter. Up to now I have had no specific approach with regard to it, but I will consider any suggestions put to me.