HC Deb 16 December 1965 vol 722 cc1436-7
11. Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what discussions he has had with the Arts Council regarding the financial position of the Royal Opera House.

Miss Jennie Lee

Following discussions with the Arts Council, it has been decided that the annual grant to the Royal Opera House is in future to be a sum decided on in advance in the context of the total support for the arts, and not, as in the past, a percentage of takings at the box office.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Can the hon. Lady tell us what effect this is likely to have on the present position? Is she aware that the deficit in 1965–66 is likely to be about £230,000, rising to £242,000 in the next year?

Miss Lee

I can assure the hon. Member that we intend to maintain the very highest standards in our Opera House. I can also assure him that we want to do something about the accumulated debt of previous years. We want to get the finances of the Opera House on a sound reasonable basis, but, at the same time, we will not have that done through lower standards.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

Is my hon. Friend aware that this change will be generally regarded as an improvement on the old practice of association with the box office; and that it will give a greater degree of financial control over the whole business?