HC Deb 05 July 1982 vol 27 cc17-8
28. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what grants have been made to the Royal Academy during the last five years.

Mr. Channon

I announced in May the Government's decision to contribute £250,000 to the Royal Academy's appeal fund in the course of the next year or so. No other direct Government grant has been paid to the Royal Academy during the past five years.

Mr. Chapman

Is it not true that throughout its long and glorious history the Royal Academy has rightly prided itself on being independent of the Government? Will my right hon. Friend confirm that this year's grant is a onceand-for-all grant? Will he use his good offices to try to encourage private finance—whether from industry, commerce or other sources—into this great national institution?

Mr. Channon

Yes, Sir. The whole point of the Royal Academy is that it is independent. It has launched an appeal fund for £6 million. I understand that nearly a quarter of that amount—or perhaps a little more—has been raised, and I wish the Royal Academy every success. The Government help in other ways, such as with the indemnity insurance scheme. However, the Royal Academy rightly prides itself on 200 years of independence.

Mr. English

I am not clear about the consequences of the Minister's replies to question No. 25 and this question. Does he propose that some members of the Royal Academy should now be appointed by the Government, or that some of the trustees of the Victoria and Albert and Science museums—if they are set up—should be elected by their staff?

Mr. Channon

With the greatest respect, the hon. Gentleman has got the two questions slightly mixed up. There is no question of the Government wishing to interfere in any way with the running or organisation of the Royal Academy.