Advisory Music Council

HC Deb 03 August 1944 vol 402 cc1622-3W

Captain Ramsay

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all music for the Forces is under the control of the Music Council over which Sir Victor Schuster presides.

Sir J. Grigg

I am informed that the Advisory Music Council over which Sir Victor Schuster presides acts in an advisory capacity only to E.N.S.A., and possesses no executive authority.

Captain Ramsay

asked the Secretary of State for War who was responsible for the appointment of Sir Victor Schuster to the chairmanship of the Music Council.

Sir J. Grigg

Sir Victor Schuster was appointed chairman of the Advisory Music Council by the members at its inaugural meeting in March, 1941.

Captain Ramsay

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, under the chairmanship of Sir Victor Schuster, the Radio Music Council has been overburdening the musical programmes for the Forces with renderings characteristic of Oriental and African races; and whether he will ensure that programmes shall contain a greater proportion of music characteristic of the white races and especially those inhabiting the British Islands.

Sir J. Grigg

The hon. and gallant Member is mis-informed. The Advisory Music Council is concerned solely with the place and share of classical music in the general contribution which E.N.S.A. makes to the entertainment of the fighting Forces, irrespective of whether such contributions are broadcast or not.

Special effort has, I understand, consistently been made to include works by leading British composers and several of the most eminent have, at the request of the Council, written works specially for E.N.S.A. concerts.

Captain Ramsay

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any information regarding the disagreement between Sir Victor Schuster and the seven advisers to E.N.S.A. who have recently severed their connection with the Radio Music Council, over which he presides.

Sir J. Grigg

I have no information of disagreement referred to. The Department of National Service Entertainment is responsible for these matters.