§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts what representations the Arts Council has received about the financing of the proposed Manchester opera festival in the summer of 1986; whether any meetings are proposed with the organisers of the festival; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe management of the Palace theatre, Manchester, has asked the Arts Council to commit100W itself to subsidising the opera festival planned for 1986–87. The council has indicated its interest but cannot commit itself to the expenditure of money which Parliament has not yet voted.