LETTER : Ahead in the lottery game

From Mr George J. Levy

Sir: Once the dust settles over the largely misinformed debate concerning the sale of the Churchill papers, which is regrettably causing "public display" (report, 2 May), it would surely be highly desirable for Stephen Dorrell, the National Heritage Secretary, to give a clear policy lead over how the National Lottery funds should be used to preserve our heritage.

For instance, would he not recommend the use of Lottery funds to save a painting or work of art for the nation without relying on the generosity of American and German philanthropists, as he did for the Three Graces?

And ought not one of the first priorities to be (before any capital projects are considered) endowments of existing national museums and galleries with sufficient funds to repair leaking roofs and prevent room closures due to staff shortages; even, perhaps to put an end to the dubious argument in favour of museum entry charges?

The funding from the National Lottery in these ways would at least be seen, in some small measure, to be by the people for the people.

Yours faithfully,

GEORGE J. LEVY

London, W1

1 May