§ 36. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities exercise their powers under Section 132 of the Local Government Act, 1948.
§ Mr. GalbraithI regret that this information is not available.
§ Mr. HannanIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is growing interest in the number of local authorities which are rating for the purpose of entertainment, music and the theatre? Is he aware that in Dundee recently, there was a threat to close the repertory theatre, which would have followed but for the help of the local authority? Further, is he aware that in Glasgow a very desirable project called the Falcon Theatre, to establish an arts centre and provide a home for an amateur drama group, is now in being, and will the hon. Gentleman consider how he can stimulate the local authorities to exercise their powers, to pool their resources and to allocate them on a regional basis?
§ Mr. GalbraithI will consider the hon. Gentleman's suggestion. But I think that this matter is one which must be left to the discretion of the local authority, which has the power to act in the way which he has suggested.