§ 25. Mr. MoleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps the Government are taking to support theatre in the regions. [53986]
§ Tessa JowellThis is a matter for the Arts Council of England and the Regional Arts Boards. From 1 April this year the Arts Council is investing an additional £12 million in theatre increasing to £25 million a year from 2003–04, as a result of its extensive review of the needs of regional theatre. Funding for the New Wolsey in Ipswich will increase from £322,750 last year to £492,750 in 2003–04, an increase over two years of 53 per cent.