§ Mr. Altonasked the Minister for the Arts what the total expenditure by his Department on museums and galleries has been in every year since 1976–77; and within the totals, what sums have been allocated to (a) the national museums, (b) the Museums and Galleries Commission, and (c) the remainder.
§ Mr. Luce[pursuant to his reply, 20 July 1987]: Expenditure by the Office of Arts and Libraries on museums and galleries since 1976–77 is as follows:
243WNotes:
(1) In 1984–85 responsibility and financial provision for local museum purchase grant funds was transferred from the Victoria and Albert and Science Museums to the Museums and Galleries Commission.
(2) Direct central government funding of the National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside and the Greater Manchester Museum of Science and Industry began on 1 April 1986 following the abolition of the GLC and MCCs. The central government contribution to the cost of the Museum of London increased from 33 per cent. to 50 per cent. Further central government funds were disbursed by the Museums and Galleries Commission as transitional grants to other museums and galleries in areas affected by abolition.