The Stage

Tories’ Mark is taking the Prisk

Published Monday 18 June 2007 at 17:40

With regards to the front page article regarding the Conservative shadow spokesman, Mark Prisk, taking an interest in the scams, or to use a strong term, crimes involving up-front fees.

While this interest is to be welcomed, it might also be a good idea if Mr Prisk acknowledged the part that the last Conservative government played in opening this area of scam/crime in the first instance. It was they who deigned what a wonderful idea deregulating agencies was and allowing the mythical market place to be the only check on agencies. Of course most of us have been paying the price of this philosophy when applied to society in general, ever since. Of course some, many from the criminal fraternity, have filled their pockets.

It has to be added that the current regime should also be ashamed that in ten years it has only made half-hearted attempts to end this state of affairs.

And let us not forget, it is not only the scammers/criminals that have profited by deregulation in our industry, but also ‘respectable’ production companies within TV and theatre, who breach agreements on pay and conditions whenever they think they can get away with it.

I have to admit I was nearly stung by such a smooth-talking scammer/criminal in my early days in this business, but thankfully Equity managed to get me the money I was owed, such is the value of being a member, whatever criticisms are aimed at it.

So while Mr Prisk’s interest is to be welcomed, it would be great if he put his hand up, admit the Tories got it wrong and apologise to all those who have had their pockets plundered over the years due to their policies.

Trevor Allman

London Area committee member

Equity

Coleraine Road

Blackheath

London SE3