HC Deb 01 July 1965 vol 715 cc812-3
31. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made so far in realising the proposals outlined in the White Paper, A Policy for the Arts, in particular in paragraphs 70 and 84–87, and by encouraging the trustees of museums and public art galleries to keep them open until later at night than in the past.

Miss Jennie Lee

Encouraging progress has been made towards realising many of the proposals outlined in the White Paper. Paragraph 70 of the White Paper refers to the provision of pictures in public buildings, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works is introducing a scheme to provide lithographs of works by young artists in rooms used by the public in Government buildings. Paragraphs 84 to 87 refer to the provision of financial assistance to authors. Meetings have been held with the Society of Authors and the Publishers Association, and a careful study has been made of schemes in other countries, including those in France and Sweden. The problem is complex, but I can assure my hon. Friend that we are working very hard to find an acceptable and workable scheme.

On the final point raised by my hon. Friend, I am in touch with the various authorities responsible for the national museums and galleries and hope to make a statement to the House soon.

Mr. Driberg

On the first point, about paragraph 70, is that still the responsibility of our right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works or has my hon. Friend taken that responsibility with her to the new Department?

Miss Lee

This is still the responsibility of the Minister of Public Building and Works, so any future Questions should be addressed to that Department.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Will the hon. Lady do what she can to make the various galleries as flexible as possible about the lending of pictures to local art festival committees, provided that the security arrangements are satisfactory?

Miss Lee

We are doing everything we can to see that everything that is worth displaying is kept in circulation.

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