§ 31. Dame Irene Wardasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a further statement following the discussions with the Arts Council concerning the future of the National Youth Theatre.
§ Miss Jennie LeeAt the end of November a deputation from the National Youth Theatre visited the Arts Council. The idea of a permanent centre at Camden was discussed, and the Chairman of the Arts Council undertook to write to the Borough Authority commending the National Youth Theatre to it on the grounds of the social importance of its work. He could not however offer to help the Theatre with its proposal to add a professional company to the work it is already doing.
§ Dame Irene WardI thank the right hon. Lady. Will she bear in mind that it is very important for youth to have realistic objectives? Will she therefore continue to press the Arts Council to give consideration to this matter?
§ Miss LeeI entirely agree with the end which the hon. Lady wishes to achieve. I hope that our youth centres—and they receive £5,500 from the Youth Service side of the Department—will encourage drama groups, but it is not the specific job of the Arts Council as such to do this. I hope that the local authorities, hon. Members and everyone else will give them every possible encouragement. The Chairman of the Arts Council has stressed the great importance of this work.
§ Mr. LongdenDoes not the right hon. Lady agree that it is a pity that the National Theatre, the National Youth Theatre and Sadlers Wells should all be in London? Would it not be a good thing to send them to Edinburgh?
§ Miss LeeAs a Scot, I want Edinburgh to have its own opera house, national theatre and youth theatre but I do not think that we should play "beggar-my-neighbour".