§ 2. Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will take steps to institute a literary prize of substantial size.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Miss Jennie Lee)The amount allocated to the Arts Council for awards to young artists in all fields has been increased from £10,000 to £50,000 in the current year: of this sum the Arts Council has allocated £5,750 to literature. £1,500 has been awarded in poetry bursaries, and £1,200 has been given in four special awards to poets. The amount remaining will be awarded this year, but the details have not yet been worked out.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkShould not something more be done for literature as 793 such? Has there not been a little too much concentration on poetry and will the hon. Lady consider that aspect of the matter?