§ 2.43 p.m.
§ Lord HARMAR-NICHOLLSMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether an instruction could be given to local authorities that an agreed proportion of any Exchequer grant designed to facilitate the revival of inner cities be used to preserve or improve existing live theatres, whether civic or privately owned.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Baroness Birk)My Lords, under the urban programme the Government and local authorities judge applications on the basis of local need and merit. Therefore, theatre projects could certainly be supported, but we would not set aside a fixed proportion for theatres or, indeed, any particular purpose.
§ Lord HARMAR-NICHOLLSMy Lords, is the noble Baroness aware that, while her Answer gives some hope, it would be helpful to the rebuilding of inner cities in its fullest sense if something a little more specific could be envisaged by the Government? The shops, houses and offices need something such as the culture which the live theatre presents, and yet in places such as Bristol and Manchester, and in many other cities, we see the risk of it falling out. Is there any possibility of further consideration being given so as to ensure that when grants are made for reviving the inner cities this important part of our nation's culture is taken into account?
§ Baroness BIRKMy Lords, as the noble Lord is probably aware, he has my very strong sympathy on the whole question of theatres, but so far as urban programme projects are concerned we are looking primarily for projects which will be of most direct benefit to those living in the deprived inner areas. Therefore, typical examples are industrial estates, environmental improvements, recreational projects and social service schemes, and these include also voluntary body projects. Officials in my Department discussed the urban programme with a representative of the Theatres Trust last year, and at that time the Trust undertook to provide information about the employment advantages of theatres to the inner areas, but nothing has yet been received. We are still awaiting that information.