asked the Minister of Public Building and Works when the review of Government activity in the field of the arts will be completed; and when a statement will be made on the functions and future policies of the part of his Department so concerned.

Miss Lee:

I look forward to making a statement soon after the Christmas Recess. The review I was asked to undertake is now just about completed.

Does that mean that we shall be having a debate after Christmas, as was promised by one of the hon. Lady's colleagues? Will she bear in mind that she will have the good will of this side of the House, at least, in continuing the progress which we on this side of the House made in this field, only if she refrains from making inflammatory and unkind speeches about the very good work which my hon. Friends did?

Miss Lee:

I do not know on what grounds this admonition is made. So far I have been extremely gentle, and I hope that when my statement is made it will meet with the approval of the overwhelming Majority of the House.

Does not the hon. Lady recall that she told the Western Mail that there had been tremendous vulgarisation of life and standérds, with no corresponding emphasis on the arts? Will she withdraw that statement in view of the great care and large expenditure which the last Government gave to the arts in general?

Miss Lee:

I consider that the expenditure on the arts by the last Government was extremely trivial. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] The priorities were all wrong and, looking back on the last 10 years, if hon. Members want to be proud of the bingo halls, the betting shops, commercial television, and all the rest, they are very welcome.

Is my hon. Friend aware that on this side of the House at least we feel that a great deal more needs to be done publicly in this field, and that we much welcome the fact that for the first time we have a Minister who will give special consideration to the matter—which we never had before?

In view of what the hon. Lady said about expenditure on the arts under the previous Administration, may I ask whether, when she said that, she was aware of the fact that Government support for the arts had trebled in financial terms over the 10 years which she mentioned?

Miss Lee:

I hope the right hon. Gentleman is also aware that the trebling was on the basis of practically zero.

Will the hon. Lady confirm that there will be a debate, in Government time, soon after her statement?

Miss Lee:

I can confirm now that there will be a comprehensive statement and I very much hope that it will be in the form of a debate, but I am not in a position to make a precise promise.