§ 3. Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will state the amount of subsidy paid from public funds to the Royal Shakespeare Company during each of the past five years, respectively.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State, Department of Education and Science (Miss Jennie Lee)Starting in 1962–63, when the Arts Council first gave the Company a subsidy, the annual amounts up to last year have been £10,000, £47,000, £88,000 and £93,300. In addition, the Company has in the same period received £34,434 from the British Council in guarantee against losses incurred in touring abroad.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamKnowing the right hon. Lady's interest in the theatre, will she use her influence with the Governors of the Royal Shakespeare Company and persuade them to use some of this public money at Stratford, where the inhabitants and visitors object to seeing only one new Shakespeare production this season?
§ Miss LeeI would consider it most improper for a political Minister to interfere with the activities of the Royal Shakespeare Company. By leaving these matters in the hands of the Arts Council, we are guaranteeing the freedom of artists in this country which we all cherish.