§ Mr. Ivan HendersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress has been made in providing free entry to museums and galleries. [52223]
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§ Dr. HowellsEntry to the permanent collections at all the main museums and galleries sponsored by my Department is now free to everyone. This policy took effect from 1 December 2001 and represents the delivery of a key element of our manifesto commitment. In the first four months since the introduction of free admission at those museums and galleries that previously charged visitor numbers have increased by an average of seventy five per cent. This means that an extra 1.7 million people have been able to enjoy admission to these priceless collections free of charge, no matter what their income or background.