§ 14. Mr. Pavittasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the total grant to the Arts Council was allocated to the London Opera Centre.
§ Mr. Maudling0.3 per cent. in 1962–63, 0.8 per cent. in 1963–64 and just under 1 per cent. in 1964–65.
I should like to take this opportunity to apologise for and correct an error in the reply given by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary on 5th May. The amount provided by the Arts Council for the London Opera Centre up to 31st March, 1964, was not £24,000, but £29,500.
§ Mr. PavittI am grateful for the correction which the right hon. Gentleman has made. Is he aware that at the present time there is considerable public concern about the policy at the London Opera Centre and that only three days ago seven members of the staff resigned? In the light of this, when making future allocations will the right hon. Gentleman review the whole question of policy in respect of that Centre?
§ Mr. MaudlingI am aware that there is considerable concern about this matter, but I feel that when one gives people, like the Arts Council and other important bodies, responsibility for policy one must leave them to carry it out. As long as one has confidence in them, as I have—
§ Dame Irene WardBut I have not.
§ Mr. Maudling—one must leave them to do their job.
§ 18. Mr. Pavittasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he 206 has obtained about the total cost of advertisements for the post of a new director of the London Opera Centre, and about the number and nationality of the applicants.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe post was not advertised and no applications were received.
§ Mr. PavittDoes not this indicate that there is still something radically wrong with the policy when a post of this importance is not advertised? Would it not have been more appropriate to seek someone of standing in the musical world, such as Sir Adrian Boult, in competition with others to make sure that public money is spent in the best possible way? Whilst not wanting to interfere with the stand that the right hon. Gentleman has made about the Arts Council having the right to run its own affairs, may I ask whether it is not his responsibility to act as the taxpayer's watchdog in these matters?
§ Mr. MaudlingThis was a matter for the Board of the London Opera Centre. I understood that it took the view that advertisement was unnecessary because in this specialist field the suitable candidates were known to it. Once again, I must emphasise that if we give people responsibility it is a pity to interfere with them in their exercise of that responsibility.
§ Sir T. MooreOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is it in order for an hon. Member to put his Question when seated?
§ Mr. SpeakerOne ought to observe the fact that there are amplifiers in the back of the seats. Subject to that difficulty, one effects as much rising in one's position as one can.
§ Mr. PavittOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I seek your guidance? I am satisfied with the answers that I have received from the right hon. Gentleman on this matter; yet I want to take the matter further concerning the London Opera Centre. Therefore, without wishing to be discourteous to the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask whether I am entitled to ask for an Adjournment debate in spite of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman has dealt fully with my Questions?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman must decide whether or not he wishes to give oral notice. I will treat it as though he had.