HC Deb 28 November 1968 vol 774 c712
27. Mr. Allason

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to receive and to publish the report of the Arts Council on the Conference on the Arts held at Ditchley Park from 14th to 17th July, 1967.

The Minister of State, Department of Education and Science (Miss Jennie Lee)

The report of the conference was circulated on 20th November to all those who attended. Unfortunately, considerable delay has been caused by the difficulties of bringing together an international editorial committee.

Mr. Allason

As the conference was concerned with Government sponsorship of the arts, may I ask whether the long delay in publishing the report indicates that there is a certain unwillingness in this direction?

Miss Lee

On the contrary, I assure the hon. Member that I have a lively vested interest in getting out the report as quickly as possible. I would prefer to tell him privately the source of the delay, but I can assure him it has not come from the Arts Council or from my Department.