§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Minister for the Arts what recent representations he has had from British Youth Opera; what response he has made; if there is any action he will be taking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RentonI had the pleasure of meeting representatives of British Youth Opera, including my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Hannam), who is a member of the council, and Miss Valerie Masterson, its vice president, on 30 January. I very much welcomed the opportunity to learn more of the company's valuable work with young opera singers. The funding of individual arts organisations is a matter for the Arts Council, with which the company is in close touch.