HC Deb 07 June 1962 vol 661 cc642-3
26. Sir E. Leather

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what measure of support and cooperation he proposes to give to the projected Commonwealth Festival of the Arts, about which he has been informed, in 1965.

Mr. Sandys

I have recently been approached by the Chairman of the Commonwealth Arts Festival Society and I hope to discuss with him the plans for the Festival in the near future.

Sir E. Leather

I thank my right hon. Friend for that Answer. Is he aware that a number of Commonwealth Governments have already pledged their full support, and may I hope that we shall not be any less enthusiastic in supporting this very important and imaginative design?

Mr. G. M. Thomson

In discussing this, will the Secretary of State bear in mind the immense interest which there would be if this kind of festival took place not merely in London but in other parts of the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland?

Mr. Sandys

I know that there have been proposals on those lines.