PROPOSED CLOSURE OF LEICESTER HAYMARKET THEATRE

That this House condemns the decision of the Leicester Haymarket Theatre Board to cease trading from the end of July 2003, leading to the closure of the regionally and nationally renowned Haymarket Theatre and the loss of 70 jobs; and calls upon the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to bring together the interested parties, including the East Midlands Arts Council, Leicester City Council and the relevant trade unions, to agree a rescue package which can keep the theatre open and save these jobs.