Free entry victory

BECTU members who have been campaigning for free public access to museums have reacted with delight to a £9 million boost from the Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

UK Culture Secretary Chris Smith has announced that free access will be maintained at those national museums which currently do not charge for entry, and additional support will be provided for a wide range of access and education initiatives for museums across the country.

Chris Smith said: "The Government is determined to enable more people of all ages and backgrounds to visit museums and learn from the country's treasures. The new funding - together with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund - will improve access to the best of our cultural heritage, and therefore educational opportunities for all."

The package includes a £2 million Challenge Fund to ensure that free admission can be maintained at the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Gallery, British Museum and the Wallace Collection; extra money will also be made available for museums in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Additionally there is also the decision by the Heritage Lottery Fund to match this with an additional £2 million for its new Museums and Galleries Access Fund, creating in 1998-99 a £7 million fund for other national and regional museums across the country.