§ 13. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his latest discussions on the proposed Edinburgh Opera House.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellI have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Gentleman on 31st January.—[Vol. 849, c. 1333.]
§ Mr. DalyellWhy on earth not, since the discussions have been taking place?
§ Mr. CampbellBecause Edinburgh Corporation has not yet responded to my communication.
§ Mr. EwingIn view of the fact that the Edinburgh Opera House is not likely to be built until the reorganisation of local government, and since the Arts and Civic Council work is a function of district authorities, will the financing of the opera house be undertaken by the Forth regional authority with assistance from the Government or will the district council have the authority to go ahead?
§ Mr. CampbellI am concerned with the immediate future, and if, as I hope, Edinburgh Corporation decides to accept my proposals and proceed with the scheme, the arrangements would go ahead under Edinburgh Corporation. When the changes in local government take place, this kind of matter would have to be decided once the successor authority was known.
§ Mr. DalyellOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I am afraid that I did not hear the hon. Gentleman. Mr. Hall.
§ Mr. John HallIs my right hon. Friend in a position to give us some idea of the estimated annual loss which is likely to arise from the scheme?
§ Mr. CampbellI do not think one should speak in terms of active loss. In matters of this kind there are always Government subsidies. The largest Government subsidies go to opera in London. Without notice I am unable to give any figures, but I think that it would be difficult for anyone to agree upon an annual loss.
§ Dr. MillerOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Annual loss of what?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is not a point of order.