§ 49. Mr. Hefferasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what application he has received from the Liverpool Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for grant of national status and for financial assistance; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss Jennie LeeI hope to meet on 28th February the local authorities which support the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) on 27th January, I have also received a letter from the Economic Planning Council for the North West Region about the status of the Orchestra and the prospect of financial assistance from the Government. The level of grant for the Orchestra is a matter for the Arts Council; I am concerned, however, that there shall be fair distribution of public funds between London and regional activities, and have the whole field under review.