§ Mr. Altonasked the Minister for the Arts if, in the light of the breakdown of negotiations between the successor authorities to the Merseyside metropolitan council, he will make a statement on the future of Liverpool Empire theatre and the Royal Liverpool philharmonic hall.
§ Mr. LuceNegotiations about the Philharmonic Hall are continuing between the Arts Council and successor authorities. The Arts Council is discussing ways in which the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra can be so funded that it can pay an economic rent for its use of the hall. The Arts Council hopes that, with the co-operation of the successor authorities, this will enable the funding of the hall intself to be maintained.
The tenancy of the Empire theatre is to be taken over by a major leisure group and its immediate future is not in doubt.