§ 26. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects to make an announcement about the Government's contribution towards the proposed new Turner museum.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneAn announcement will depend upon the decisions referred to in my answer of 24 January to the hon. Lady.
§ Mrs. ShortIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that while it is marvellous to have generous gifts from private donors, there is a continuing need for more support from the Government to keep the theatres and art galleries running? Is he not aware that there is an urgent need for an increased amount for the Arts Council as a whole, and for support for the arts?
§ Mr. MacfarlaneThe question deals with the contribution towards a proposed new Turner museum. I must remind the hon. Lady that this is a private donation by the Clore Foundation. There are many outline proposals that have still to be developed. If the hon. Lady wants to debate or discuss any other aspects of the Arts Council's grant, I shall be happy to engage in that at some future date.
§ Mr. CormackDoes my hon. Friend accept that everyone who is conscious of the failure to implement the terms of the Turner bequest will wish both him and my right hon. Friend success in the forthcoming negotiations? Does he agree that there is bound to be a period before any new gallery can be opened, and that during that period Somerset House would provide a magnificent setting for the Turners?
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI take my hon. Friend's point. As everyone has indicated, if the Clore Foundation donation comes to fruition—everybody hopes that it will—it will make an enormous contribution to the wealth of art in this nation.