HC Deb 16 June 1986 vol 99 cc752-3
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister for the Arts if he will make a statement on the future funding of Sadler's Wells theatre.

Mr. Luce

I am confident that Sadler's Wells has all the resources for a full season in the current year and that prospects for the future are good. Arts Council grants for subsequent years are a matter to be determined at a later stage.

Mr. Pavitt

Is the Minister aware that Sadler's Wells not only a centre of excellence for opera and ballet in this country, but has now become an international venue, visited by the whole world? We are grateful to the Arts Council and to the Minister for their efforts to preserve its short-term future, but is he aware that, because of its nature, it needs to have at least a three-year planning programme? It cannot stage an opera at the drop of a hat. Will the Minister negotiate with the Arts Council to secure revenue grants for at least three years so that forward planning can be effective?

Mr. Luce

I agree that Sadler's Wells is a great centre of excellence. Indeed, I was glad to he there last week for the 60th anniversary of the Ballet Rambert. Although Sadler's Wells is financially secure for this year, the fact is that the vast majority of its funding comes not from the Arts Council or central Government, but from a variety of other sources, including the box office and sponsorship. I am glad that Northern Telecom provided substantial sponsorship this year. In the longer term, Sadler's Wells must look not only to central Government but to a variety of sources.

Mr. Greenway

Is my right hon. Friend aware that recently I was besieged by members of a ballet class in my constituency, when 100 ballet dancers of all ages pleaded for the continuation of Sadler's Wells? I accept that it cannot have a long-term guarantee, but will my right hon. Friend assure us that he will not stand by and see Sadler's Wells go to the wall?

Mr. Luce

I imagine that that was a siege that my hon. Friend enjoyed. I assure him that the theatre workshop proposal that is being planned for Sadler's Wells is well on the road to being established, thanks to funding support from a number of sources. I am optimistic that that will help.

Mr. Chris Smith

I welcome the Minister's tributes to the work done by Sadler's Wells, but can he tell us, even at this stage, whether the same order of funding—the £100,000 package for the touring companies that rescued Sadler's Wells this year—will be available next year? If not, despite the frantic efforts of Sadler's Wells to obtain private sponsorship, it will be in serious financial trouble.

Mr. Luce

I know that the hon. Gentleman, who represents that area, takes the closest possible interest in Sadler's Wells. It is not possible to give a precise undertaking beyond this financial year, because the Arts Council does not know the precise figure that it will receive for next year and the following year, only the broad planning figure. I am confident that it will be possible for Sadler's Wells to continue and that the Arts Council will be able to continue its support.