§ Mr. BowisTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what are the guidelines for the theatres restoration fund and for application eligibility; and what conditions are imposed as to the age of the building on behalf of which an application is to be made.
§ Mr. Key[holding answer 4 December]: The purpose, scope and eligibility criteria of the theatres restoration fund are set out in "Notes for Applicants", copies of which 549W I am sending to my hon. Friend and placing in the Library of the House. In essence, the criteria are that only purpose-built theatres are eligible; that they must be constituted as charitable trusts; and that they should be of architectural merit and/or that the work produced in the theatre is of artistic significance. There are no specific conditions relating to the age of a building.