§ Sir H. Kerrasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now announce the Government's decision on the National Theatre and Sadler's Wells.
§ Mr. BrookeYes. The Arts Council reported favourably on the proposals published by the Joint Council of the National Theatre on 17th April. After consulting the London County Council, the Government have decided to accept the Joint Council's scheme in principle, and to arrange in conjunction with the London County Council for its implementation to begin. The first step must be the appointment of a National Theatre Board which will be responsible for creating and running the National Theatre Company. With the agreement of the London County Council I have invited Lord Chandos to be the first Chairman of this Board, and I am happy to inform the House that he has accepted the invitation. I also propose to appoint in consultation with the London County Council a South Bank Theatre and Opera House Board, to be responsible—under the Government and the London County Council—for building the national Theatre and also the new Opera House on the South Bank as a replacement for Sadler's Wells, and for advising on the allocation of the capital funds available. I am glad to say that Lord Cottesloe, as Chairman of the Arts Council, has accepted an invitation to preside over this body,34W which will include representatives of both the National Theatre Board and Sadler's Wells. I shall announce the full composition of the National Theatre Board and of the South Bank Theatre and Opera House Board as soon as possible.