§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture. Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the reasons for changes in the level of receipts by the British Museum in the last five years. [100335]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Museum's total self-generated income increased from £48.8 million in 1998–99 and £46.7million in 1999–2000 to £51.7 million in 2000–01 as a result of their fundraising activities to secure capital funding for the Great Court and other development projects.
With the opening of the Great Court in December 2000 it was no longer necessary for the Museum to generate large sums of capital funding and as a result total self-generated income decreased in 2001–02 and 2002–03 to £44.9 million and £43.2 million respectively. In the last two years the Museum has significantly increased its revenue income primarily delivered by the 478W facilities of the Great Court. The Museum is forecasting that receipts will stabilise in the next few years at around £24 million.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State supports the Museum in their activities to obtain income from trading, fundraising, donations and sponsorship.