§ David WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what impact free museum entry in London has had on admission numbers. [39751]
§ Dr. HowellsThere has been a 76 per cent. increase in visitors on average at those museums and galleries in London which previously charged for admission, in the two months following the introduction of free entry compared with the same period in 2000–01. This is a tremendous endorsement of the Government's free access policy.
§ David WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proposals are being considered to expand the programme of free museum entry across the United Kingdom. [39750]
§ Dr. HowellsThere are no plans to extend free entry to museums beyond free entry to the permanent collections of the main museums and galleries in England to which the Government are committed to ensure universal free access. Entry to the national museums in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is a matter for their devolved Administrations.
268WWe are currently considering a number of alternative options for Culture Online and we hope to make an announcement in the near future. This will include details of any further funding available for Culture Online and what user groups Culture Online will target.
We have involved a large number of cultural educational and ICT organisations in the development of Culture Online. Details of those involved in the Culture Online steering group and Talent Bank are included in the Vision report, which was placed in the Libraries of the House. None of these organisations or companies has made financial contributions to Culture Online.