HC Deb 15 March 1949 vol 462 cc1902-3
52. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the willingness of His Majesty's Government to contribute from public funds towards the cost of erecting and equipping a National Theatre in London, he will introduce legislation with a view to enabling a similar contribution to be made towards the building of a National Theatre to be located north of the Trent.

Sir S. Cripps

There is nothing I can add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 1st February to my hon. Friend the Member for Central Cardiff (Mr. G. Thomas).

53. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will introduce legislation to enable a Government grant to be made towards the building of a national concert hall for the north of England.

Sir S. Cripps

No, Sir. The powers conferred on local authorities by Section 132 of the Local Government Act, 1948, enable them to provide or assist the provision of concert halls.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Does that apply in London where it is proposed to build a concert hail?

Sir S. Cripps

Yes, Sir. There will be no provision by the Government towards that hall.