HC Deb 25 October 1960 vol 627 cc2123-4
3. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why, in view of the increased grant to the Arts Council, no arrangements have been made to include Belfast in the Old Vic's forthcoming tour of the provinces.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The Arts Council has no responsibility in Northern Ireland, which is the concern of the Council for the Encouragement of Music and the Arts, Northern Ireland.

Mr. Mills

Nevertheless, when the Arts Council is on the western side of the Irish Channel it might be as well if it were to get in touch with C.E.M.A. in Northern Ireland, as the Old Vic has not been in Northern Ireland for five years. Will my right hon. Friend pass this suggestion to the Arts Council?

Mr. Lloyd

I think that it would be a good idea for both bodies to get in touch with one another.