Galloway campaigns on museum cut-backs

Bradford West MP George Galloway said his Respect party were meeting to oppose further possible cuts to Government science budgets amid warnings they could have a devastating impact on the National Media Museum in Bradford and the National Railway Museum in York.

Mr Galloway yesterday laid down a motion in Parliament opposing any further cuts to science funding in the forthcoming spending review on June 26.

Council leaders from Bradford and York last week held an emergency meeting with directors from the Science Museum Group - which runs the two museums in Yorkshire - amid fears a spiralling budget deficit could lead to admission charges being introduced, or even one or both of the museums closing altogether.

The group is assessing different options for making further savings, and has not ruled out radical action.

A statement from the group said: “The Science Museum Group has to address a large projected operating deficit from 2014 onwards, and is assessing a range of options to address this situation.

“Despite making significant cost reductions across the group, we are still faced with a significant annual deficit in 2014/15 and beyond because of cuts in grant in aid. The group’s finances are expected to come under even greater pressure following the spending review.

“We have already undertaken a range of cost saving initiatives since the Government cuts announced in October 2010, and we will look at further efficiencies to ensure we continue to care for our collections and maintain our role in inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. Our recommendations will go to the board of trustees in the autumn.”