asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action he proposes to take to implement the Goodman Report on the London Orchestras, submitted to him by the Arts Council earlier this year.

The Government announced on 15th October that they had approved the principles on which the recommendations of the Goodman Committee were based. The scale of financial support is at present being considered in connection with the Arts Council Estimates for 1966–67. I will send the hon. Member a copy of the official statement.

Will the hon. Lady tell us when she hears from the Greater London Council, which is issuing a report, and when final arrangements are made will she undertake to inform the House?

Most certainly. We are, as I think the hon. Gentleman knows, in the final stages of negotiations.