HC Deb 03 December 1957 vol 579 c31W
102. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government to what extent it is his policy to discourage local authorities from making grants under Section 132 of the Local Government Act, 1948; and what were his reasons for refusing his consent to a grant of£300 from St. Pancras Borough Council to Unity Theatre.

103. Mrs. Jeger

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why he has refused his consent to the St. Pancras Borough Council's proposal to make a grant to Unity Theatre under Section 132 of the Local Government Act; and what is his policy towards local authorities' encouragement of the arts.

Mr. H. Brooke

Unless it wishes to borrow money for the purpose, a local authority does not require my consent to make a payment under Section 132 of the Local Government Act, 1948. But I understand that the borough council were advised that this Section was not wide enough in its terms to enable them to make a grant in this particular case. The application which the council made to me was for my consent to a payment of£300 under Section 136 of the Act. I refused this application because it does not seem to me desirable that a contribution should be made out of the rates towards the expenses of a body whose activities have the appearance of being not without party-political purpose.