§ 25. Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions she has had with the director and trustees of the British museum regarding the financial support which she gives to the museum. 61242]
§ Tessa JowellMy right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for the Arts (Baroness Blackstone) has had several discussions with British Museum trustees and officials on a number of issues including the current financial position at the Museum. Grant-in-Aid to the British Museum has increased each year since 1997–98 and in 2002–03 will amount to £36.5 million. In addition, since April 2001 the Museum has been able to recover VAT relating to its expenditure on free access, worth at least £750,000 per annum. Funding is being further reviewed in the Government's 2002 Spending Review.