§ 32. Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the progress of the Arts Council national inquiry into British orchestras.
§ Miss Jennie LeeThe inquiry is meeting for the first time on 18th June. The Chairman is Professor Alan Peacock of the University of York. With permission I will circulate the names of the other members in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. CordleWe shall welcome the Report when it comes, but, in the meantime, does the right hon. Lady recognise that many orchestras outside London need urgent attention and are losing their best musicians to London because they cannot pay London wages? Will she give this her urgent attention, because these people have a real concern in the life of the music of the country?
§ Miss LeeI fully appreciate that point. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that this is a very comprehensive inquiry, and that there will be no unnecessary delay.
§ Mr. ChannonWhat consultations is the right hon. Lady having about the grave concern aroused among members of the regional orchestras in view of the rumours circulating about possible B.B.C. action in this respect?
§ Miss LeeI am sure that that comment will be noted by the Postmaster-General and by the Governors of the B.B.C., as well as in all quarters of the House. A big effort has been made, particularly by the Arts Council, to ensure that the attention of the appropriate authorities is drawn to our concern.
Following are the names of the members: Professor Alan Peacock (Chairman), Christopher Cory, Norman Del Mar, Myers Foggin, Sir William Hart, Alderman C. H. Lucas, Colin Mackenzie, Dr. A. H. Marshall, John May, Victor Olof and Hardie Ratcliffe.