§ 68 and 69. Mr. Straussasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether in view of the popularity of the Old Vic Theatre and its traditions, he will give an assurance that any grant of public money he may authorise for a national theatre will not jeopardise the continued 142W functioning of the Old Vic as a repertory theatre with an adequate annual subsidy;
(2) if he will give an assurance that no grant paid by the Treasury towards the building or operating expenses of a national theatre shall be at the expense of the needs of the provincial repertory theatres.
§ Sir E. BoyleBoth raise issues which must be taken into account by the Government in reaching their decision on the national theatre project. My right hon. and learned Friend hopes to make a statement on the whole subject before very long. Meanwhile I do not think I ought to give assurances on particular aspects of it.