HC Deb 13 November 1969 vol 791 c128W
47 and 48. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) in view of the fact that Government grants to drama students cost £1 million per annum and that unemployment and supplementary benefit to the 70 per cent. of students who are unable to make a living costs a further £4 million, if he will set up a committee to inquire and to make proposals to relate the output of students to the amount of employment available;

(2) in view of the fact that the output of drama schools is 2,000 per annum and that only 400 of these students will be able to earn a sum equal to the average weekly wage, if he will now introduce legislation to make his Department responsible for such schools, with a view to holding an inquiry.

Mr. Fowler

The new Theatre Training Committee of the Arts Council has set up a working group to study the problems of the drama schools. Meanwhile, I have issued advice on this subject to local education authorities and drama schools. I see no reason to introduce legislation.