§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what study he has made of the applications of the Hallé and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestras and the Liverpool Art Gallery for the grant to them 120W of national status and financial assistance from the Government; and what reply he has sent.
§ Miss Jennie LeeI have been invited to meet the local authorities which support the orchestras, and I hope to arrange this soon. But the level of grant for the orchestras is a matter for the Arts Council. I have also received a letter from the Economic Planning Council for the North-West Region about the status of the two orchestras and of the Liverpool Art Gallery and the prospects of financial assistance from the Government. The Walker Gallery, like all other regional and municipal galleries, does not qualify for an Arts Council grant and is not in receipt of direct Exchequer assistance. I am concerned however that there shall be fair distribution of public funds between London and regional activities, and have the whole field under review.