Written question asked by Peter Ainsworth (Conservative) on Wednesday, 12 January 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 January 2000. It was answered by Lord Smith of Finsbury (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 January 2000 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, how many opera performances have been cancelled by the Royal Opera House since the publication of the new season's programme; and at what estimated cost in lost revenue income. - Inc figure. (Holding answer 17 January 2000).

Answer: Mr. Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many opera performances have been cancelled by the Royal Opera House since the publication of the new season's programme; and at what estimated cost in lost revenue income. [105339] Mr. Chris Smith: [holding answer 17 January 2000]: The Royal Opera House has cancelled nine performances of opera since the opening season was announced in January 1999. I understand the overall loss to the Royal Opera House of the nine cancelled performances is estimated at £243,115 when the value of lost revenue is offset by savings in expenditure. The Royal Opera House's contingency budget will accommodate this loss.

Secondary information