INTERNATIONAL EISTEDDFOD (Hansard, 8 March 1967)

§ Mr. J. Idwal Jones (Wrexham)

I beg to move, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make further provision for contributions by local authorities in Wales (including Monmouthshire) towards the expense of the International Eisteddfod. I should like to begin by explaining briefly the history of the International Eisteddfod. The International Eisteddfod is not a branch of the National Eisteddfod of Wales, nor are the two in competition with each other. They differ in scope, in the nature, character and range of competitions, and they differ also in their historical background. While the National Eisteddfod has its roots far back in the cultural history of the Welsh people, the International Eisteddfod has its roots in the tragedy of the last war.

In 1940, when the countries of Western Europe were overrun and occupied by German troops, many of their people succeeded in reaching this country and some came to Wales, where they were very well received. With the exception of one year, the National Eisteddfod was held annually throughout the war. The festival was, of course, on a reduced scale but the interesting fact is that representatives from the allied countries visited our National Eisteddfod and 1435 were very much impressed by the choral competitions. So impressed were they that they thought it would be a good thing in better days if they could offer choirs from their own countries to come to a competition festival in Wales, and so the idea of the International Eisteddfod for choral competitions was born.

Nor was it allowed to fade away after the war. Within a year of the end of the war, plans were afoot to hold an International Eisteddfod. It was a mere experiment. Advertisement was difficult, food and clothing were still rationed, resources were scarce generally; yet a promise had been made and a pledge given, and it was felt that the promise had to be kept and the pledge redeemed. But the question remained: Would there be a response?

A tent to hold 4,000 people was obtained and set up in a field at Llangollen. To the surprise of all, 14 countries were represented at the first International Eisteddfod held in June, 1947, and they submitted 40 adult choirs for competition. Had there been a financial loss, it could have meant the end of the experiment. But there was a gain of £1,400 which was placed immediately in a fund for the following years. By 1951 the number of countries represented had reached 22, and the number of adult choirs had trebled. Growth meant expansion and expansion meant increased cost, but the law of diminishing returns set in and began to operate. Profits rarely exceeded £1,000. To sum up: during the past 11 years on an average 25 countries have been represented with an average of 200 adult choirs.

Llangollen itself is a small town situated in the beautiful Dee Valley, with a history going back well beyond a thousand years. Its population numbers only 3,000 and it is a great credit to this relatively small community that they have undertaken this great responsibility. Today it is a town known throughout the United Kingdom and in some 30 countries overseas. It is a town where people of different races, tongues and traditions pour in for one festive week each year, bringing with them song, dance, colour and gaiety. Here is the meeting place of world amateur talent in choral and instrumental competition. Such is the 1436 general background of this unique festival.

My proposed Bill is simple and modest, and I trust it will commend itself to Members on both sides of the House. It seeks to make it possible for urban and rural district councils, boroughs or county boroughs to contribute towards the International Eisteddfod out of the rates, if they so wish. It is a permissive Bill. Section 132 of the Local Government Act, 1948, already gives powers to local authorities to contribute towards the cost of entertainment held within their boundaries. It also gives some powers to other authorities provided they are near enough to the place of entertainment. It is this which sets the limit to the number of authorities which can qualify under this Section. Only those authorities broadly contiguous with the place of entertainment can qualify, and, since the International Eisteddfod is held annually in the same place of Llangollen, the majority of Welsh authorities are excluded.

The proposed Bill will, therefore, involve an amendment to Section 132 of the Local Government Act, 1948. The statutory limit of the equivalent of a 6d. rate, which is the amount which a local authority may spend in one year on entertainment, will remain. The proposed Bill is confined to Wales, including Monmouthshire, and I believe that it will be much welcomed throughout the Principality. I believe that it also gives much support to an institution which has already fully justified itself. I trust that the House will give leave for this Bill to be brought in.