§ 36. Mr. Hoosonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if the Government will make a contribution towards Welsh cultural life to commemorate the Investiture by providing funds for the setting up of a Welsh national theatre.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Education and Science (Miss Alice Bacon)No request for Government assistance has yet been received. The first essential is for Wales to produce a firm scheme which has the support of Welsh people and the local authorities. This is now being drawn up by the Court of the National Theatre for Wales in close consultation with the Welsh Arts Council.
§ Mr. HoosonDo not the Government think that they should take the initiative in this matter? As we are having the Investiture this year, would it not be right to mark the occasion with a permanent contribution towards Welsh cultural life rather than leaving Wales with the ephemeral benefits from the Investiture itself?
§ Miss BaconI find that very strange. I should think that Wales would want to initiate this rather than leave it to the Government. But I will pass on to my right hon. Friend the Minister of State responsible for these matters what the hon. and learned Gentleman has said.