HC Deb 25 January 1988 vol 126 cc73-4W
41. Mr. Bowis

To ask the Minister for the Arts what steps he is taking to encourage youth participation in the theatre and music in Britain.

Mr. Luce

The Arts Council and the regional arts associations encourage all subsidised theatre companies to develop policies for young people, and theatre-in-education schemes. The council does not, as a rule, give direct financial support to youth theatre companies and orchestras, but I have been encouraged to see that several such bodies have attracted very substantial sponsorship. They are doing excellent work.