§ 29 and 30. Mr. MABANEasked the Postmaster-General (1) on how many 868 occasions grand opera has been presented at Covent Garden; and on how many occasions it has been presented at suitable theatres in the provinces under the supplemental agreement with the British Broadcasting Corporation of 11th June, 1931;
(2) whether it is proposed to renew the supplemental agreement with the British Broadcasting Corporation which provides for the payment of £17,00 a year to the British Broadcasting Corporation for the presentation of grand opera at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and at suitable theatres in the provinces, and which expired at the end of 1935?
§ Sir W. WOMERSLEYThe opera subsidy was discontinued at the end of 1932 and Parliament has not since been asked to vote the necessary funds. If, in these circumstances, my hon. Friend still desires to know how often grand opera was presented while the British Broadcasting Corporation was in receipt of the subsidy under the supplemental agreement, I will ask the Corporation to send him the necessary information.