THEATRE FUNDING

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.