§ The Earl of Clancartyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Which of the national museums and galleries within the United Kingdom have not yet introduced 220WA free admission for school children; and, for each museum, what is the reason for this. [HL4365]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe free admission for children scheme to DCMS sponsored national museums has been in place for eight months. However, no central funds have been made available to fund free admission to non-DCMS sponsored national museums.
Of the museums sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, the RAF Museum has levied admission charges. The RAF Museum has sought an addition to its Grant in Aid to enable it to finance free admission for children. This is currently being considered by the Ministry of Defence in the context of other defence priorities.
The National Gallery of Scotland has maintained free admission for all visitors, and the National Museum of Scotland does not charge school children. Policy on admissions and other matters relating to the operation of the National Museum and Gallery of Scotland is a matter for the Scottish Parliament, not the UK Government.
The National Museum and Gallery of Wales currently allows free admission for pre-booked school parties. Policy on admissions and other matters relating to the operation of the National Museum and Gallery of Wales is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales, not the UK Government.
The National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland has free admission to its Ulster Museum and Armagh Museum sites. A charge is made for admission to its open air sites, at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and the Ulster American Folk Park. This reflects the relatively higher costs of operating such sites and the overall budget available to the institution.