§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations she has received from Equity about the future of touring productions in the regions.
§ Mr. OakesEquity has made representations to the Prime Minister on this subject, and my noble Friend the Minister for the Arts will be replying to them. My noble Friend is aware of the problems faced by certain major theatres in the provinces and of the talks that the Arts Council is having with the proprietors and local authorities involved. The Council hopes that it will be able to reach agreement between those parties to safeguard the future of at least the most important of the theatres affected.