HC Deb 22 June 1967 vol 748 cc323-4W
Sir C. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in view of the fact that the demands for tickets far exceeds the supply for performances at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, if he will now end the financial support from public funds and use the money for primary education.

Miss Jennie Lee

Demand for tickets only exceeds the supply for certain performances. The grant to the Opera House is given to maintain its high standards and to keep down the price of seats. Without subsidy, prices would have to be more than doubled and this would place Covent Garden far beyond the means of many opera and ballet lovers.