HC Deb 15 June 1981 vol 6 c728
23. Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he intends to reply to the second report of the Select Committee on Education, Science and Arts, HC 274 of Session 1980–81, on the International Centre for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, Rome.

Mr. Channon

This is a matter primarily for my right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development. But inter-departmental consultations are taking place and the Government hope to reply by the end of this month.

Mr. Price

I am grateful for the fact that we are to get a reply to a report for once, but, when the right hon. Gentleman says that it is primarily the responsibility of the Minister for Overseas Development, is he aware that everyone, including the Select Committee, thinks that it ought to be the right hon. Gentleman's responsibility? Will the point of responsibility be included in the reply?

Mr. Channon

Everything that the Select Committee says will be treated with the utmost care and consideration. I shall bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman has said, and I hope to reply shortly.

Mr. Faulds

Has the right hon. Gentleman any concept of the damage that is being done to Britain's cultural standing by the withdrawal of this tiny grant and the mean-minded attitude of the Government?

Mr. Channon

It is a bit early for the hon. Gentleman to say that we are mean-minded. The Government are about to reply to the Select Committee's report. When they have done so, the hon. Gentleman can give us praise or criticism, whichever is due.