§ 44. Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Attorney-General if he will take proceedings through the High Court to test the right of the Royal Shakespeare Company, under Article II(D) of its Royal Charter, to produce non-Shakespeare plays in London.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Elwyn Jones)No, Sir.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamBut is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this sub-clause is stated by the Secretary of State for Education and Science to he the one which allows the Royal Shakespeare Company to produce non-Shakespeare plays in London? Is he also aware that there is very eminent legal advice which I have been given which says that it does nothing of the sort? In the circumstances, would it not be better if it were decided by the courts, which are the only authority that can say whether the Governors are acting legally or illegally?
§ The Attorney-GeneralIn my view, no infringement of the Charter has taken place. Accordingly, there are no grounds for instituting High Court proceedings.
§ Sir J. HobsonIf I sent the right hon. and learned Gentleman the views of distinguished counsel who have considered this and do not agree with the view which he is supporting, even though there may he other ways of helping the Royal 1459 Shakespeare Theatre, would he consider them?
§ The Attorney-GeneralNaturally, I am always willing to listen to the views of learned counsel.