HC Deb 10 November 1966 vol 735 c327W
46. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what support Her Majesty's Government have given, and will give, to the Polish library and other Polish cultural centres in the United Kingdom; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Crosland

Government support has amounted to £200,000 between 1954 and next March, mainly for the Polish Libraries. Grant at a reduced rate will be made in 1967–68 for essential winding up expenses. Over many years the Polish community have asked for higher grants than successive Governments were prepared to make. I regret that we have not been able to reach agreement. But I shall make every effort to safeguard the lending library service for Polish readers and access for students to the scholarly books, and discussions on ways and means of doing this are proceeding.