§ Mr. Moneyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations he has had with the governing bodies of the Royal Opera Company, the Royal Ballet and Sadlers Wells Opera at the Coliseum regarding future arrangements for regional tours in the United Kingdom by these companies.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsBoth the Arts Council and I are concerned that people outside London should have as many opportunities as possible to see these and other major companies. Responsibility for touring rests with the companies themselves in consultation in appropriate circumstances with the Arts Council of Great Britain.
I shall keep in close touch with the council on this subject.
§ Mr. Moneyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is in consultation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the British Council regarding future arrangements for tours by British opera and ballet companies abroad.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsArrangements for such tours are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. I am, however, in consultation with him about future arrangements.