§ Captain CAZALETasked the Postmaster-General whether the Imperial League of Opera was consulted before the announcement of a State subsidy for opera was made; and whether it will receive any part of this grant from the Exchequer?
§ Mr. VIANTThere is only one State grant, which will be paid through the British Broadcasting Corporation to the new opera company. I understand that 1507W the latter has been in close consultation for some time with the Imperial League of Opera with a view to co-operation.
§ Captain CAZALETasked the Postmaster-General if he can give the House any further information as regards the arrangement between the Treasury and the British Broadcasting Corporation with respect to the production of opera in this country; and what organisation will be responsible for the production of opera?
§ Mr. VIANTThe arrangement referred to will be embodied in an agreement between my Department and the British Broadcasting Corporation, and, as my hon. Friend has stated, will be laid before the House. The production of opera will he in the hands of a new company called the Covent Garden Opera Syndicate (1930), Limited.