Nicholas Hytner, Director, National Theatre

A flourishing arts scene is supposed to be a badge of civilised society. But is it the job of governments to subsidise creative endeavour? Gordon Brown's government is improving arts education in schools and trumpeting an increase in arts spending. The National Theatre is one of the biggest recipients of taxpayer investment in the arts. Stephen Sackur asks its Director Nicholas Hytner what the payback is for all this public largesse.