§ 13. Dr. Strossasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now take steps to assist in the formation of a National Theatre Company which would perform mainly in provincial theatres.
§ Sir E. BoyleAs my right hon. and learned Friend said in reply to the hon. Member for Goole (Mr. Jeger) on 25th October, he is to meet the Joint Council of the National Theatre within the next few weeks. I think it would be better to make no statement about any aspect of the project in advance of that meeting.
§ Dr. StrossIs not that meeting concerned with a home in London—the creation of a building—for the National Theatre? My Question seems to me to be different. May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that if we do not have a National Repertory Company to work in the provinces fairly soon we shall find that the theatre will die out almost entirely in the provinces?
§ Sir E. BoyleI will bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind. I think that the proposal that a National Theatre Company should be formed to play mainly in the provinces is a new one from the point of view of Questions in this House. We will certainly consider it, but I cannot add to my original Answer.