§ 66. Dame Irene Wardasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the British Council grant of £15,000 to the New Philharmonia Orchestra for its tour to South America, the Caribbean, Mexico and Long Island is £5,000 short of requirement; and if he will arrange for the British Council to increase its grant in order that the orchestra will be able to fulfil its engagements.
§ Mr. PadleyAs I said in my answer to a Question by the hon. Member on 24th June, the British Council has given the New Philharmonia Orchestra a guarantee against loss on its South American tour up to £15,000. The Council is unable to increase its guarantee because all its funds for this purpose available for 1965–66 are already fully committed.