§ 32. Mr. COCKSasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the subsidy, or a part of the subsidy, to grand opera is being used to pay fees to foreign artistes; and whether, as this is contrary to the intention of the agreement between the Postmaster-General and the British Broadcasting Corporation, he will take any steps in the matter?
§ Sir K. WOODThe agreement between the Post Office and the British Broadcasting Corporation does not contain any provision on this subject, as is suggested by the hon. Member. The Postmaster-General at the time stated in the House that under the arrangement between the Corporation and the Covent Garden Opera Syndicate first-class British and continental artistes would be employed. I have been informed by the Corporation that the major proportion of artistes and others employed in this connection have been British.
§ Mr. COCKSWas not one of the excuses that was given for the subsidy that it would encourage British artistes, and has that been done by paying fees to foreign artistes?
§ Sir K. WOODThe hon. Gentleman in his question suggests that the House was not informed. The House was fully informed by the Postmaster-General at the time that first-class British and continental artistes would be employed. In fact, the total number of foreigners who have been engaged is 15, and the number of British people employed has been 560.