§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the finances of the Royal Armouries. [81]
§ Tessa Jowell[holding answer 25 June 2001]: Following restructuring of the Royal Armouries' relationship with their private sector partner in July 1999, additional grant-in-aid of £1 million per annum has been made available to cover the cost of the responsibilities transferred. The additional grant support is conditional on improvements in management and efficiency which are now being implemented as an essential component of the Royal Armouries' strategy for the future. Further grant has been made available to enable free access for children and the over-60s at the Royal Armouries' Leeds museum from 1 April 2001, and for adults from 1 December. The Royal Armouries is operating within its agreed budget and is so far on track to meet its major visitor and revenue targets for the year 2001–02.