§ Mr. Denis MurphyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assistance his Department is providing for local authority administered museums which are seeking to increase and improve their visitor attractions whilst retaining free admission. [83720]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthFor the first time, my Department is spreading its financial support to museums beyond those which it directly funds by means of a £15 million challenge fund for Designated museums. Of the 43 Designated museums services eligible to apply, 17 are local authority managed. The first awards have also been made from the Heritage Lottery Fund's new £7 million Museums and Galleries Access Fund established to assist Museums and Galleries Commission registered museums with touring exhibitions, transport costs, and other audience development approaches. In addition, a £½ million IT Challenge Fund and a £½ million Education Challenge Fund will be available to Commission registered museums this year and next year to support access, lifelong learning and educational projects.