§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is to be his policy in answering questions about the administration of bodies to which the Arts Council makes grants, in particular the London Opera Centre.
§ Mr. CroslandI intend to follow the practice of former Chancellors of the Exchequer of both parties. It is the firm intention of the Government not to interfere with the discretion of the Arts Council in making grants and not to seek to exercise control or supervision over 71W the administration of the bodies to which the Council makes grants. I shall be guided by these principles, which apply to the London Opera Centre, in answering questions which relate to the policy of the Council or of bodies receiving grants. In answering questions which seek information about the grants made and matters relating thereto, I shall, where practicable, obtain information from the Arts Council and give it in reply.