HC Deb 30 July 1940 vol 363 cc1166-8W
Mr. E. Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Society of Industrial Artists were consulted in the formation of the Central Institute of Art and Design; if not, why not; are they represented on the provisional committee; are the pottery industry artists and designers represented on the committee; if not, why not; who decided upon the provisional committee; and will steps be taken to put the committee on a more democratic basis and make it representative of all interests?

Sir A. Duncan

The Board of Trade were not responsible for the establishment of the Central Institute of Art and Design, but I understand that the President of the Society of Industrial Artists, and other members of its council, were members of the provisional committee concerned with the formation of that Institute. The Society of Industrial Artists has now become federated with the Institute and has nominated a representative to its council. Industrial artists and designers connected with the pottery industry are not, I understand, directly represented on the council of the Central Institute, but its articles of association provide for the membership of individual artists and designers as well as of organisations.

Mr. Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the importance of stimulating interest in art and design in order to maintain, and in the future increase, the export trades; why the membership of the Central Institute of Art and Design is confined to those who can provide financial backing, instead of interest and capacity; whether the members of the committee are familiar with precision tools, instrument making, munitions, etc.; and whether he will consider setting up a more appropriate committee to organise these subjects and to put the organisation of art and design on a proper basis with Government authority and supervision?

Sir A. Duncan

Yes, Sir. I have made inquiries and understand that the membership of the Central Institute of Art and Design will be open to all who are professional artists or designers, or actively interested in art or design. The functions of the Central Institute are wider than the promotion of purely industrial art and design, with which the National Register of Industrial Art Designers is more properly concerned. The governing body of the National Register contains representatives of industry who are familiar with the practical problems with which industrial designers have to deal, and I am satisfied that no new organisation of this type is necessary at the present time.