Written question asked by Simon Hughes (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 27 July 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 31 July 1998. It was answered by Lord Smith of Finsbury (Labour) on Friday, 31 July 1998 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he has taken to secure the future of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company. - (Holding answer 30 July 1998).

Answer: Mr. Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he has taken to secure the future of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company. [53748] Mr. Chris Smith: [holding answer 30 July 1998]: D'Oyly Carte is an independent company, responsible to its Board and backers for the operational decisions it takes. Public funding for the arts is channelled through the Arts Council of England who take decisions on the funding of individual arts organisations without the involvement of Ministers. Ministers have, however, drawn to the attention of the Arts Council the representations made in Parliament on this issue.

Secondary information