NATIONAL THEATRE (Maintenance of facilities)

Mr P. Govindaswamy asked the Minister for Culture and Science and Technology whether he is aware that (i) the stairs leading to the National Theatre are narrow and steep and together with certain areas inside the Theatre seem to be slippery when it rains; (ii) because of shoddy workmanship, nails are protruding through the planks in the shed covering the stairs; and (iii) members of the audience have to cross an open area to go to the toilets, and if he will request the National Theatre Trust to consider improvements in respect of (i) and (ii) and provision of toilet facilities inside the Theatre in regard to (iii).

The Minister for Culture and Science and Technology (Mr Jek Yeun Thong): Mr Speaker, Sir, the National Theatre is semi open-air and is exposed to the weather. The facilities are therefore subject to rapid wear and tear. Maintenance work and improvements are carried out continuously. The stairs leading to the National Theatre are the normal stairs that have been in use since the Theatre was built in 1963. The National Theatre Trust has plans to widen the steps as well as the entrances to the auditorium. Resurfacing of areas which are slippery will also be done.

It is not practical to consider providing toilet facilities within the Theatre. It is, however, proposed to erect covered ways leading to the existing toilet areas. Proposals to provide additional sheltered areas outside the auditorium are also being considered.