THEATRE FUNDING

Early day motion 2704, tabled 10 October 2006 by Neil Gerrard (Labour). Signed by 74 members.

That this House recognises the important role that theatre plays in local communities across the UK; notes that 25 million tickets to theatre, ballet and opera are sold every year in the UK; further notes that the Arts Council has estimated that the £120 million it invests in theatre annually generates £2.6 billion in resulting economic activity; notes the significant increase in the Government's theatre funding over the past decade; expresses concern at suggestions that the Government will reduce funding for British theatres below the rate of inflation following the coming Comprehensive Spending Review; and therefore calls upon the Government to maintain increased theatre funding to ensure that the dramatic arts in the UK continue to perform at a world-class standard of which the country can be proud.

Signatures by party: Labour 53, Liberal Democrat 11, Conservative 6, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.