§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what basis was used to calculate the funding required to compensate national museums which currently charge for admission for his plans to introduce universal free admission by 2001. [59934]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 16 November 1998]: Initial estimates of the requirement were made by Departmental officials. Further work on the detail of requisite funding allocations has been carried out in consultation with the national museums, including the issuing of detailed questionnaires in each case, and the analysis of any VAT implications that may arise.
781WDecisions on the adoption of the stages towards free admission remain of course with the Trustees of the individual museums.