§ 48. Mr. LEWISasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the fact that the grand opera syndicate do not intend to give performances of grand opera at Covent Garden this summer; and what consequent reduction he proposes to make in the subsidy payable to the syndicate for the current year?
§ Sir K. WOODMy attention has been called to this matter. Under the terms of the agreement between the Post Office and the British Broadcasting Corporation of the 11th June, 1931, no provision is 27 made for a reduction in the amount of the opera subsidy in such circumstances. I am in communication with the British Broadcasting Corporation on the matter.
§ Mr. LEWISMay I ask whether it is the intention of the right hon. Gentleman to continue the payment of this subsidy in full seeing that this syndicate do not propose to carry out one of the principal objects for which the subsidy was originally granted?
§ Sir K. WOODI have already informed my hon. Friend that there is no provision in the agreement dealing with the said circumstances, and that I am communicating with the British Broadcasting Corporation in the matter.