HC Deb 07 December 1967 vol 755 cc1649-50
20. Miss Harvie Anderson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, if he will take steps to lessen the financial difficulties of the unsubsidised theatre.

Miss Jennie Lee

The Arts Council recently set up a committee of inquiry into the theatre and one of its main objects is to investigate the position of the unsubsidised theatre. Action cannot be considered until the committee's recommendations are known.

Miss Harvie Anderson

When those recommendations come forward, will the Minister view favourably the contribution which the commercial theatre makes to the nationalised theatre, and will she relieve some of the tax burden on the commercial theatre?

Miss Lee

I can hardly visualise a situation in which popular entertainment is ever subsidised from public funds. But there is a wide area between those two extremes, and it is that in-between area which is now being investigated.