§ 35. Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Lord President of the Council if he will introduce legislation to enable him to take action in respect of governors of corporations having Royal Charters in instances in which the corporation concerned has acted in breach of its charter.
§ The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Herbert W. Bowden)No, Sir.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamWill the right hon. Gentleman examine the charter of 1456 the Royal Shakespeare Company since a number of people believe that this company is in breach of its charter when it continues to spend public money in producing non-Shakespeare plays in London?
§ Mr. BowdenThe hon. and learned Gentleman asked whether I would introduce legislation. Legislation is not necessary. The Crown may at this moment, if it wishes, take proceedings through the High Court for the forfeiture of any charter. On the specific point he mentions, my hon. Friend at the Department of Education and Science has already told him that, on the best legal advice obtainable, there is no infringement of the charter.