§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received from non-charging university museums regarding the repayment of irrecoverable VAT; what discussions he has had with HM Treasury regarding this matter; and if he will make a statement. [154750]
§ Mr. Chris SmithI have received representations from one university about the scheme under which national museums and galleries which are directly sponsored by Government and which do not charge for admission will be able to recover the VAT that relates to the free admission element of their normal business. The scheme was announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget statement on 7 March and will apply to directly funded national museums and galleries. It is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor to determine which institutions are included in the scheme.