NATIONAL THEATRE (Shows by Hong Kong stars)

Mr S. V. Lingam asked the Minister for Culture and Social Affairs (a) who sponsored the recent shows by Hong Kong stars at the National Theatre; (b) what was the total collection; (c) what was the total expenditure; and (d) what was the net profit.

The Minister of State for Culture (Mr Lee Khoon Choy) (for the Minister for Culture and Social Affairs): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Hongkong movie star art troupe performances at the National Theatre were sponsored by the National Theatre Trust. The total gross takings were $170,934. Entertainment duty was $32,472.80, leaving a net taking of $146,461.20. The total expenditure was $128,622.79. The net profit to the National Theatre Trust was $17,838.41.

Mr Chow Chiok Hock (Ulu Pandan): Supplementary question, Sir. (In Mandarin): I would like to ask the Minister concerned if he can tell us whether, before the Hongkong stars came to Singapore to stage a show, anybody was sent to Hongkong to negotiate with them, how much was the expense, and who was responsible for this expense.

Mr Lee Khoon Choy: Mr Speaker, Sir, the local agent, acting on behalf of the Hongkong movie stars art troupe, was the Grand Art Film Company. The financial arrangements with the local agent were that out of the net profit, the share to the Trust was 25 per cent and that to the Company was 75 per cent. The Company was responsible, out of the 75 per cent share of profit, for the payment to the Hongkong stars for their performances as well as payment of income tax payable on such earnings. The total expenditure figure given in answer to the Member for Aljunied has taken into account the 75 per cent share paid to the Grand Art Film Company. All these arrangements were agreed to by the National Theatre Trust.