§ Q4. Mr. Fletcherasked the Prime Minister if he will appoint a Council for Research in the Humanities and the Social Sciences with functions similar to those of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, as recommended in the report of the British Academy, entitled "Research in the Humanities and the Social Sciences," a copy of which has been sent to him.
§ The Prime MinisterThe possibility of Government action on this report is being discussed with the British Academy.
§ Mr. FletcherWill the Prime Minister bear in mind that this report by a very 661 distinguished Committee criticises the very haphazard and inadequate way in which cultural research is financed in this country and points out the serious financial difficulties confronting a number of learned societies, concluding that the situation can be remedied only by some co-ordinating action by the Government? Will he give an assurance that something will be done?
§ The Prime MinisterThis report has been presented. The first thing to do, surely, is to discuss it with its authors.