HC Deb 09 April 1970 vol 799 cc732-3
20. Mr. Channon

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when the Arts Council's Report on Orchestral Resources is to be published.

Miss Jennie Lee

The report is now in the final stages of drafting and is likely to be presented to the Arts Council in April. It is for the council to decide whether the report will be published.

Mr. Channon

Does the right hon. Lady agree, however, that it is important that it should be published, in view of the difficulties that a number of regional orchestras are in and the uncertainties about the reorganisation of the B.B.C.?

Miss Lee

I should like to take this opportunity to express my thanks for the work that has been done by the committee. As the hon. Gentleman knows, it has been a long and complicated job. The committee has worked extremely well, and expects to have its report out in June. Whether the full report is published is a matter to be decided by the Arts Council.