HC Deb 21 March 1968 vol 761 cc576-7
18. Mr. Allason

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what help he is giving to finance the secondment of trainee arts administrators to regional arts associations for practical experience and training.

Miss Jennie Lee

The Arts Council is contributing to the costs of the first course for arts administrators which started in September last year at the Polytechnic, Regent Street. It is likely that the students will be attached for a few weeks at the end of the course to regional organisations, including arts associations, to gain practical experience, but details are not yet settled.

Mr. Allason

Is the right hon. Lady satisfied that a few weeks is adequate? Should not these arts administrators receive much longer training? Should they not have months or even a year in the field in order to learn the job, and be supported during that time?

Miss Lee

I agree with the hon. Member. That is also the view of the Arts Council, but this is a new development which is in the experimental stage. I am anxious to see that they are adequately trained both in the theory and in administration.