HC Deb 16 February 1998 vol 306 cc753-4
19. Mrs. Ellman

What plans he has to increase the proportion of public financial support for theatre which is devoted to activities. [27603]

Mr. Fisher

As part of our reform of the national lottery, we want an increased proportion of money to be directed to arts activities rather than buildings or capital works.

Mrs. Ellman

Will the Minister give an assurance that he will do all in his power to ensure the reopening of the Playhouse theatre in Liverpool and continued proper backing for the Everyman theatre? Liverpool's theatres are a vital part of its assets. They are important to the city itself and to its continued economic regeneration. Does he agree that it is essential that equitable public funding is given to theatres throughout the north-west and the country?

Mr. Fisher

I entirely share my hon. Friend's admiration for the work of the Playhouse and the Everyman in Liverpool. Those who love theatre will be concerned by the state of the Playhouse. We are determined to address the problems by getting money not only to the fabric of buildings, but to cultural activities. That reform of the lottery will be welcomed by Government and Opposition Members.

Mr. Steen

Is the Minister aware that the D'Oyly Carte Gilbert and Sullivan opera company closed at the end of December because the Arts Council refused to put it on its little list? It allows hundreds of other organisations that have been on the list for years and years to remain there, but refuses to save one of our great British national institutions. More than 103 Members have signed an early-day motion, but the Secretary of State and his Department have been unable to save one of the most important English light operetta companies. The chairman of the Arts Council says that it will not get on to his list for more than 100 years because so many organisations are already there. What will the Minister do to save the D'Oyly Carte and Gilbert and Sullivan before 2000?

Mr. Fisher

I am aware of the matter because the hon. Gentleman led a distinguished delegation to see me about it. His advocacy was persuasive, but, as he knows from our discussion, this is a matter for the Arts Council. I gather that he also led a delegation to its chairman. I am not sure what the joy of that was.

Mr. Steen

Useless.

Mr. Fisher

The hon. Gentleman says that it was useless. I am sure that the Arts Council will take note of his interesting comment on that meeting.

Mr. Hanson

Will my hon. Friend take the opportunity to examine the possibility of cross-border funding for theatres such as my own, Theatr Clwyd, which is in Wales, but which also attracts audiences from England? Will he examine ways in which organisations such as the lottery and the Arts Council of England could help to fund theatres based in Wales that serve audiences from England?

Mr. Fisher

My hon. Friend has made a good point. The audience for Theatr Clwyd in Mold includes people from Stoke on Trent, like me, from Manchester and from other places. There is a funding problem not only in north and south Wales but in Scotland, and the creation of the individual nations' arts councils has not fully addressed it. We must consider it with energy and vigour.