§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Prime Minister whether the admission charges for the national museums and art galleries will require fiscal and mandatory legislation or will be at the discretion of the trustees of the individual institutions.
§ Mrs. ThatcherI have been asked to reply.
115WNo legislation is required to enable admission charges to be imposed at the majority of the national museums and galleries. The British Museum, the British Museum (Natural History), the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland are advised that legislation will be necessary to put their powers to charge for entry beyond doubt.
116WThe Government will therefore introduce appropriate enabling legislation in time for charges to be instituted next year. This legislation will not impose a statutory obligation to charge. The decision by the Government that as a matter of policy charges should be made remains unaffected. My noble Friend is discussing the details of application with the institutions concerned.