§ 8. Mr. Gowerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consult with the Arts Council to ascertain what steps may be taken to maintain the only live theatre in Cardiff.
§ Mr. PowellIt is Government policy to leave to the Arts Council all decisions on the spending of the grant which Parliament makes to it.
§ Mr. GowerIs it not a fact that the success of war-ravaged countries such as Austria and Western Germany in reviving the arts and in re-establishing opera houses with the aid of public expenditure has put to shame our own efforts, and should not the function of the Arts Council be to help theatres in the capital cities of Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, as well as a few theatres in London?
§ Mr. PowellThat may well be, but it would be quite wrong for my right hon. Friend to tell the Arts Council how to spend the money.