HC Deb 06 November 1989 vol 159 cc442-3W
26. Mr. Fisher

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he intends to meet the president and director of the National Museum of Wales to discuss the museum's strategy plan and future funding.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

My right hon. Friend meets the president and director of the National Museum of Wales to discuss matters of mutual interest as occasion demands. Decisions on the need for a meeting to discuss the museum's next strategy plan will be taken when it is received early next year.

Dr. Kim Howells

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the change in the number of people visiting the National museum in Cardiff since the introduction of entrance charges.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are the totals of visitors to the National museum of Wales, Cathays Park, since admission charges were introduced and for the previous comparable period.

Mr. Peter Walker

Recorded visitor numbers were:

  • December 1988-September 1989 (inclusive) 62,583
  • December 1987-September 1988 (inclusive) 329,949

The National museum issued a statement on 24 October explaining the reason for these differentials. Comparisons are difficult because in the earlier period both the Chinese Dinosaurs exhibition and the Gerald of Wales exhibition were taking place. Subsequently major building works at the museum have prevented the staging of major exhibitions. During the current financial year the attendance at Cathays park is 3,000 below budget—a shortfall of 8 per cent. Conversely the number of visitors attending the Welsh folk museum is 39,000 above budget—an increase of 20 per cent. The museum believes that these differences were accounted for by the exceptional summer weather and that its experience is in line with other indoor and outdoor attractions in Wales. The museum holds the view that with the reopening of the east wing in March 1990, refurbishment of the major temporary exhibition gallery which is now complete and the sound financial position, the museum could attract major temporary exhibitions which in turn would substantially improve visitor numbers.