§ Mr. Altonasked the Minister for the Arts if he will list the grants made by him to the national museums on Merseyside, and constituent institutions, in every year since their inception; and if he will break the figures down by whether they are for capital costs, operating costs, or for purchases.
§ Mr. Luce[pursuant to his reply, 20 July 1987]: The trustee body for the national museums and galleries on Merseyside was formed on 20 February 1986 and was allocated a "setting up" grant of £18,000 in 1985–86.
In 1986–87 the NMGM was allocated allocated £10,145,000. Within this total, £7,995,000 was for running costs; £1,400,000 for the completion of the main contract for the Merseyside maritime museum; and £750,000 for purchase grant.
In 1987–88 the NMGM has been allocated £9,414,000 comprising £8,414,000 for running costs; £250,000 for capital works; and £750,000 for purchase grant.
It is for the trustee of the NMGM to decide how they will divide their grant amonst the constituent institutions.