§ 16. Mr. Channonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why he has ruled ultra vires the grant of £1,000 made by the Arts Council to the Italian Art and Archives Fund.
§ Miss Jennie LeeThe Arts Council unanimously agreed to a grant of £1,000 to the Italian Art and Archives Rescue Fund. It did so in the belief that this was entirely within its powers, and that is still its view. After the payment had been made, it came to the notice of the Department, which was advised that it could not be regarded as falling within any of the objects set out in the Arts Council's Charter. The account will be noted accordingly.
§ Mr. ChannonWe obviously expect the Arts Council to spend its money in Britain, but does not the Minister think it mean to rule ultra vires the small grant of £1,000 to the Italian Fund when tens of thousands of British people have had much benefit and enjoyment from Italian art and archives over the years?
§ Miss LeeI appreciate the spirit of the hon. Gentleman's comments, but when a man is drowning you rescue him first and get your accounts straight afterwards. I am very proud of what was done by our museums and galleries and by the Arts Council. The flood damage was cleared up very quickly, and I am sure that we shall get the legalistic side of this put right.