§ 28. Sir MARTIN CONWAYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been turned to the educational importance of a permanent opera in England; and whether he can give any sympathetic assistance to the League of Opera and other associations which are endeavouring to fill this gap in the national educational institutions?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Churchill)I share the hon. Member's views as to the importance of opera and he may feel assured that the Government have every sympathy with the League of Opera and other associations which are endeavouring to produce opera in this country. But I fear I cannot undertake financial assistance at the cost of the Exchequer to such associations.
§ Mr. SHINWELLDoes the right hon. Gentleman not know much more about comic opera?
§ Colonel Sir ARTHUR HOLBROOKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that; every Continental country has a national opera house and that England is the only country in Europe which does not support opera in this way?
§ Mr. BROMLEYIs not sufficient public money already being expended on the opera bouffe of the present Government?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not wish to go into controversial topics in answer to that question, or the question of the hon. Member who spoke earlier. But I may say that I have no acquaintance with opera bouffe, though I am occasionally brought into contact with low comedians.