§ Lord Freybergasked Her Majesty's Government:
How much each charging national museum and gallery has said it would require to allow free entry for all adults in 2001; how much each charging national museum and gallery would receive from the £30 million proposed to be set aside for free entry in 2001; and what is the difference between the two figures in each case. [HL271]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyIf universal free access is introduced at the currently charging national museums and galleries funded by DCMS in 2001–02, lost admissions revenue is estimated at £22 million. However the effect of this policy on each museum's ability to recover VAT would need to be confirmed with HM Customs and Excise and is heavily influenced by capital developments such as the V&A's British Galleries and the NMGM 2001 project. We are continuing to evaluate the most effective methods of enhancing access to these institutions in 2001–02, but decisions will ultimately be taken by the trustees.