HC Deb 25 February 1960 vol 618 cc551-2
10. Mr. Watts

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why, in view of the increased grant to the Arts Council this year, no arrangements have been made for the Covent Garden Opera to visit Manchester; and if he will make a statement.

Sir E. Boyle

As my hon. Friend will be aware, I have no responsibility for the touring programme of Covent Garden. I understand, however, that although Covent Garden Opera is not visiting Manchester this year, Sadler's Wells played there for a week last May. During the next financial year Manchester will, in all probability, be visited once by Covent Garden and twice by Sadler's Wells.

Mr. Watts

Does not my hon. Friend agree that it is monstrously unfair that when extra money is given to the Arts Council, the Covent Garden Opera Company does not go to Manchester, where there is a large opera house in one of the most musical cities in the world?

Sir E. Boyle

I do not quite agree with my hon. Friend because, as I explained to him in the letter, there are very real physical and administrative difficulties about allowing a tour by the Covent Garden Opera Company. Quite apart from the size of provincial theatres—

Mr. Watts

Cannot they take the train?

Sir E. Boyle

Quite apart from the size of provincial theatres, there are very real administrative difficulties about moving such a very large company, with so much scenery.

Mr. F. Noel-Baker

Can we take it that the Financial Secretary's Answer does not imply that he is satisfied with the present miserable pittance paid to the Arts Council by the Exchequer—which is a disgrace to this affluent society in which we are now living—and the very miserable proportion of that pittance that goes to the Covent Garden Opera Company?

Sir E. Boyle

I advise the hon. Gentleman, if he likes, to attend the debate on this tomorrow.

Mr. Noel-Baker

I intend to.