HL Deb 03 July 1996 vol 573 cc105-6WA
The Earl of Clancarty

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How far they expect attendance figures at the Victoria and Albert Museum (South Kensington site) to fall following the proposed introduction of admission charges in 1996; and whether they view this matter with concern; and

How far attendance figures at the Victoria and Albert Museum (South Kensington site) fell following the introduction of voluntary donations on admittance in 1985.

Lord Inglewood

The Victoria and Albert Museum introduced voluntary donations to the South Kensington site in November 1985. The V&A has estimated that in 1984 there were 1,690,122 visits to the site, and in 1986, 1,022,328 visits.

The V&A does not anticipate a significant drop in attendance figures, as many of their visitors are used to paying, albeit on a voluntary basis.

The Earl of Clancarty

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Department of National Heritage will make good the shortfall of £1 million grant-in-aid which the Victoria and Albert Museum states is responsible for their decision to introduce admission charges in October of this year, or whether they intend to take any other steps to encourage the Victoria and Albert Museum to reverse the decision.

Lord Inglewood

The Government will consider most carefully the level of grant-in-aid for the Victoria and Albert Museum but I cannot anticipate the outcome of the forthcoming public expenditure round which will be announced on Budget Day. As to reversing the Museum's decision to introduce admission charges, that is a matter entirely for the Museum's Board of Trustees. The Government notes, however, that the Victoria and Albert Museum has stated that free entry will be maintained for students and those under 18, that there will be free or concessionary entry for many other groups, and that there will be periods of free access for all.