asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what assessments he has made of the reduction in income from sales of postcards, reproductions and other publications on sale in public museums and art galleries to be expected following the imposition of entrance fees in such museums and galleries.

Until consultations with the individual institutions about the detailed arrangements for the collection of charges have been completed no informed assessment of the effect on sales of publications, etc., can be made. My noble Friend knows of no reason why the introduction of admission charges need lead to any significant reduction in museum sales.