13 MARCH 1971, Page 27

Mollycoddling Equity

Equity, the acting profession's trade union, appears not to be living up to its name by persuading Mr Carr that actors should be exempt from the provisions of the indus- trial Relations Bill. The reason for giving them special consideration is supposedly the low level of salaries (and no doubt possible employment) at the bottom end of their calling.

For the life of me I cannot see why they should be receiving special treatment. The profession is overcrowded because it is over- paid light work and an attractive milieu to delicate people. In addition too many are being drawn to the industry because of the mollycoddling by many forms of orivate and public charity such as the Festival Theatres and the Arts Council.