§ Lord Killearnasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to give further financial support to the Zoological Society of London and if so whether they will announce the details of the assistance.
§ Lord SkelmersdaleThe Government and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) have agreed on both the level of funding for 1987–88 and the mounting of a radical study of the options for the future management and funding of London Zoo and Whipsnade Park. My right honourable friend therefore intends to grant to ZSL £2m in 1987–88 as revenue support plus a sum of up to £150,000 to match money raised by ZSL from private sources in 1986–87.
In addition ZSL have agreed that before the end of 1987–88 they will see whether there is a basis for submitting firm proposals for attracting new capital. In order to assist them, ZSL will jointly with DoE commission a firm of consultants to investigate the options. The study, which will be part paid for by the Government, will have the following terms of reference:—
We will consider the need for any further government support for ZSL in the light of the outcome of the study and ZSL's own proposals.
- (i) To advise on the kinds of zoo which ZSL might appropriately develop for future visitors.
- (ii) To identify the scope for introducing private capital into the zoo operation, in association with measures to increase revenue from visitors.
- (iii) To draw up a prospectus which can be used by ZSL as a basis for attracting potential investors.