§ 22. Sir J. Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will publish the report from the Arts Council on the payment of royalties to authors for the borrowing of books from libraries.
§ Miss Jennie LeeThe report was prepared by a working party of the Literary Panel of the Arts Council. It is therefore for the Council to decide whether or not to publish it.
§ Sir J. RodgersDoes the Minister agree that in order to obtain informed public discussion of this important subject, she should use her best endeavours to persuade the Arts Council to publish the report?
§ Miss LeeI think that the Arts Council will make its own decision. My personal view is that it will be useful to have it published, because then both the strong points and the weak points, according to one's individual views on the matter, will be put down accurately and the ensuing discussions will be helpful.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsDoes my hon. Friend agree that it is thought likely that the Arts Council will publish the report without any encouragement from her?
§ Mr. ChannonIs the Minister aware that the problem has been oustanding for a long time? When are we likely to know the result, so that there can be informed public discussion of this very important matter?
§ Miss LeeThe next useful thing will be the publication of the report, which will be controversial. It is a very difficult matter. It will help informed public opinion and also the Government to wait for the report and the discussions that will follow.