§ 25. Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what information he collates regarding visitor satisfaction with the national museums and galleries.
§ Mr. SproatInformation on levels of satisfaction of visitors to the national museums and galleries is collected by the institutions themselves. My Department does not routinely collect such data. I was, however, pleased to learn from the 1993 National Audit Office report "Quality of Service at the National Museums and Galleries" that, at the five national museums and galleries examined, the overall quality of service was high: 98 per cent. of the visitors surveyed were satisfied or very satisfied.
§ Mr. CormackTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what improvements have been made to the national galleries in the last six months.
§ Mr. SproatAll the national museums and galleries sponsored by my Department undertake a continuous programme of improvements. Notable among the many improvements which have taken place over the past six months are the opening of a new archive and library extension and new gallery at the national portrait gallery, the completion of the latest phase of re-roofing of the Waterhouse building housing the natural history museum, the opening of the new glass gallery at the Victoria and Albert museum and the recently completed phase of stonework and roof repairs at the British museum.
In addition, all national museums and galleries strive continuously to improve their services to visitors, collection management and general efficiency.
Further information on the activities of each of the national museums and galleries is published in my Department's annual report and in the triennial reports published by the institutions themselves.