HC Deb 31 July 1998 vol 317 cc704-5W
Mr. Bendel

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if he will list box office income, as a percentage of operating costs, among all regional producing theatres in England and Wales; [50606]

(2) if he will list box office income, as a percentage of operating costs, among the producing theatres in the region covered by Southern Arts. [50605]

Mr. Chris Smith

[holding answer 14 July 1998]: Figures for 'box office income' are not available. The following figures for core earned income as a percentage of operating costs are taken from the data received as part of the Arts Council of England's Annual Survey of Regularly Funded Organisations for 1996–97.

  1. (a) 76 per cent. for all regional producing theatres in England
  2. (b) 94 per cent. for all producing theatres in the region covered by Southern Arts.

Notes:

1. The Survey uses 'core earned income' which includes box office, but also all other forms of earned income.

2. Operating costs are 'staff costs' plus 'overheads'.