HC Deb 25 March 1926 vol 193 cc1367-8
45. Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Shakespeare Memorial National Theatre Committee is contemplating the acceptance of a site in London for the building of a national theatre, and in view of the committee's avowed intention to appeal for Government support when the site has been acquired, the Government will, before any irrevocable action has been taken by the Memorial Committee, take steps to inquire into the suitability of the proposed site for the purpose of a national theatre?

Mr. CHURCHILL

This is a hypothetical question. I do not think that in present financial circumstances the Government could take any step which would give the committee reason to expect that a Government contribution would be forthcoming.

Sir F. MEYER

May I, as a member of the committee and a trustee of this fund, ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is not the fact that application was made. to the Government for a site and was refused; and whether, in view of the statement in the question that the committee contemplate the acceptance of a site, it would not be wiser in the circum stances, for hon. Members not to count their chickens before they are hatched?

Mr. CHURCHILL

That question seems to answer itself.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Why not put up a monument to Robert Burns?