§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts how much subsidy is currently provided by the Greater London council to the South Bank concert halls; and whether it would be the intention of the Government to maintain the level of subsidy should the Greater London council be abolished.
§ Mr. WaldegraveFrom the information available, I understand that the Greater London council is planning revenue and capital expenditure amounting to £4,347,000 net and £611,000 respectively in 1983–84 for the maintenance and management of the South Bank concert halls. It would be premature to forecast the level of public funding which might be available after the abolition of the Greater London council in 1986. This will depend on a number of factors, such as the outcome of the present 335W consultations, the needs of the South Bank concert halls at the time, the levels of income from other sources and public expenditure considerations overall.
§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts what information he has about the operation of concert halls in other parts of the world; and which currently operate along commercially viable lines.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.