CONCERNS OF BRITISH ORCHESTRAS

Early day motion 1200, tabled 6 December 2005 by Lord Swire (Conservative). Signed by 70 members.

That this House recognises the severity of threat posed to British orchestras by the HM Revenue and Customs' decision to seek future and retrospective payment of Class 1 national insurance contributions from self-employed musicians; notes that such a payment could result in a bill of up to £45 million being forced upon British orchestras and musicians; and urges the Government to take immediate action to ensure that no musician is forced out of work, nor any orchestra forced to close, as a result of an unforeseen definition of entertainers from legislation passed in 1998 which was intended to benefit out of work actors.

Signatures by party: Conservative 40, Labour 18, DUP 7, Liberal Democrat 4, Respect 1.