HC Deb 30 June 1955 vol 543 cc482-3
20. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the grants in aid to schools of music and drama, what steps are taken to ensure that the flow of students does not exceed the number who may reasonably expect to obtain professional employment.

Mr. H. Brooke

The flow of students through these institutions is a matter which is properly left to the governing bodies.

Dame Irene Ward

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind, in relation to the spending of public money, that too many students flitting about at Covent Garden are a detriment to our musical prestige and a deterrent to those people who, with proper training assistance, could do well for our musical attainments in this country? Is not this a matter in which he should be interested, even if he does not feel like it?

Mr. Brooke

That is as may be, but I am certain that it would be wrong for the Government, in making financial grants to these institutions which operate under Royal Charter, to seek to interfere with the way in which they carry on their work.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Will the right hon. Gentleman make sure that he resists any attempt to interfere with the work done at Covent Garden and ensure that the work there is fully supported?

Mr. Brooke

The Question actually relates to schools of music and drama.