§ 16. Mr. HansonTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he next expects to meet the Arts Council of Wales to discuss funding of regional theatre. [14173]
§ Mr. RichardsI meet the Arts Council of Wales regularly as part of the annual cycle of corporate and operational planning and performance review. The next meeting is in March, to review the council's operational plan for 1996–97.
§ Mr. HansonWill the Minister accept on behalf of the people of Delyn and of Mold their great thanks for the additional contribution of £200,000 that the Arts Council has made to help keep open Theatr Clwyd this year? The money is very welcome. Will he do more to encourage neighbouring local authorities to give the theatre assistance, so that it stays open this year and in future years?
§ Mr. RichardsI am grateful for the hon. Gentleman's recognition of the part played by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and the Department in ensuring the continued success of Theatr Clwyd. 15 As the hon. Gentleman has said, and as my right hon. Friend has insisted, the neighbouring local authorities will, we hope, contribute to future recurrent funding of the theatre.