§ 8. Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, if, before paying any further subsidy from public funds to the Royal Shakespeare Company, he will require the company to stop producing non-Shakespeare plays in London.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Miss Jennie Lee)No, Sir. It would be quite improper for me to seek to direct the work of the Roal Shakespeare Company.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamIs the hon. Lady aware that the Arts Council tells me that the company is making money in Stratford and losing it in London? Is she further aware that this company is breaking its Royal Charter in producing non-Shakespearean plays outside Stratford and that it is being paid £90,000 out of public funds to enable it to do this? What is the hon. Lady going to do about it?
§ Miss LeeThe hon. and learned Member must assume that I have looked into the company's Royal Charter, and I can assure him on the best legal advice that it is not breaking the conditions of its Charter.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the earliest possible moment.