HC Deb 04 November 1965 vol 718 cc234-5W
Mr. Armstrong

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations to what extent the Commonwealth Arts Festival Society has drawn upon Her Majesty's Government's two guarantees totalling £130,000 which were announced in November, 1963, and in April of this year.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

The Society's audited accounts are not yet available. Her Majesty's Government have however made advances to a total of £100,000—including £88,000 from the Civil Contingencies Fund—to assist the Society in meeting expenditures in excess of receipts. I understand it is likely that the remaining £30,000 will be required before the Society's accounts are finalised.

The House will be asked, in due course, to approve a Supplementary Estimate in respect of this service.