3 APRIL 1959, Page 7

THERE ARE not many actions on which one can unreservedly

compliment the BBC, but their decision not to broadcast this year the dreary and repulsive proceedings of the Royal Academy banquet is one of them. The dinner has for some years now been no more than an excuse for the President of the Royal Academy to show those 'present how much farther he can go in witless vulgarity than his predecessor, amid the applause and giggles of his audience. The cruder car- toonists next morning have a little fun about what they (and the PRA) imagine is 'modern art,' and the artistic prestige of Britain falls one point lower. Nothing, presumably, can be done about the dinner; but at any rate the BBC's action makes sure that its effect will be confined to those present.

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