§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will estimate the minimum staffing of regional orchestras; and if he will make a statement on the financial situation of those in receipt of public funds.
§ Mr. BrookeAccording to the Arts Council, the minimum number of players in each of the major regional orchestras is as follows:
Number Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra 79 Bournemouth Sinfonietta 29 City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra 103 Halle Orchestra 98 Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra 91 Northern Sinfonia 37 Depending on programmes, these numbers can be augmented through the employment of contract musicians. The numbers of administrative staff vary because of the differing situations of the orchestras. For example, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society is responsible for Philharmonic hall as well as the orchestra; and the two Bournemouth orchestras are jointly administered.
The Arts Council carefully monitors the financial situation of all its clients and, in consultation with the orchestras themselves, would be able to provide the additional information requested.