LETTER:The right price to pay to visit the V&A

From Lord Armstrong of

Ilminster

Sir: There is clearly some confusion about where the V&A stands on admission charges, following your report of 16 November ("V&A director wants pounds 10 admission fee").

That report quoted, out of context, remarks made by Dr Alan Borg, the director of the V&A, in an interview for the Antique Collector given last July. In that interview he made clear his preference for either free entry or admission charges rather than voluntary donations, and expressed the view that many visitors could afford to pay pounds 10 for entry to the V&A. But he also made it clear that, if the Board of Trustees was to decide to introduce admission charges, he would not recommend a charge of pounds 10.

It would be for the Board of Trustees, when reviewing the V&A's financial situation and prospects, to take a decision as to whether to introduce admission charges at the V&A and, if so, at what level. It has no present plans to introduce admission charges.

Yours faithfully,

Armstrong of Ilminster

Chairman, Board of Trustees

Victoria & Albert Museum

London, SW7

21 November