GWENT THEATRE IN EDUCATION

Early day motion 980, tabled 3 November 1999 by Llew Smith (Labour). Signed by 123 members.

That this House deplores the decision of the Arts Council of Wales not to award the contract to provide theatre in education in the Eastern Valleys to Gwent Theatre despite their reputation for excellence and the support of local authorities and local communities, and to award the contract to a Cardiff based company, Theatre Iola, which has no experience, knowledge or support in the area; further deplores the refusal of the Arts Council to allow access to information relating to the successful bid; congratulates Gwent Theatre for making all information concerning their bid open to the general public; condemns the failure of half the membership of the Evaluating Board to have seen even a single performance by Gwent Theatre; and calls on those responsible to reverse their decision.

Signatures by party: Labour 113, Labour/Co-operative 9, Liberal Democrat 1.