§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has yet received an indication of the readiness for use of the Lyttleton, Cottesloe and Olivier Theatres, respectively, in the National Theatre and the likely dates of their respective opening productions.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsThe structural work to the Lyttleton and Olivier Theatres has been substantially completed and they are now being fitted out, the Lyttleton being more advanced. Readiness for use depends on the progress of specialised work, principally for electronic control systems. I receive regular progress reports from the South Bank Theatre Board, which is not yet in a position to give a firm completion date. Some structural work remains to be done in the Cottesloe Theatre, but this will not directly affect the use of the two main auditoria.
§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement as to funding intentions for the running of the National Theatre.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsThese arrangements are a matter for the National Theatre Board and Company, the Arts Council and the Greater London Council, which will share the cost of running the theatre with those who pay for seats.