§ The Earl of Clancartyasked Her Majesty's Government:
On what grounds the Department for Culture, Media and Sport cite the introduction of the "Ei8ht Pass" at the National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside as a "success" and a "key achievement" for 1997, as stated in their annual report for 1997. [HL2678]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside's (NMGM) Ei8ht Pass was devised by the museum Trustees as the best way of reconciling the balancing of their books with maximising access. It allows unlimited visits to all eight NMGM venues for one year, for a cost of £3. Children, senior citizens, the unemployed and the disabled pay £1.50. This is a socially sensitive charging regime and the indications are that the public overwhelmingly regard the pass as excellent value for money. The funds raised have allowed NMGM to keep all eight attractions open for seven days a week.
The introduction of the pass represented a major challenge for NMGM and the remarks in the departmental annual report reflect the smooth and effective way in which the scheme was launched.