I believe that national museums should be free for all. Your report (Is the UK’s golden era of free museum entry coming to an end?, 21 February) quoted me from a Daily Telegraph article that selectively used parts of a much longer interview. I said in principle that people would be willing to pay; however, I then outlined all the reasons this would not work financially, practically and ethically. I do not wish to be represented as a mouthpiece for those who wish to introduce charges.
Nick Merriman
Hastingleigh, Kent
• There is an easy answer to the budget difficulties faced by many UK art galleries and museums: identity cards. UK citizens could continue to receive free access to the nations’ artworks, which we own, and foreign nationals could be charged an entrance fee, as UK citizens are abroad. Many people enjoy visiting art galleries regularly, which could continue, but international visitors would tend to make only one visit during their time in the country which would continue, even if chargeable, as these are popular tourist sites to visit.
Hugh R Craig
Edinburgh
• With more than 100 million international visitor nights a year to London, a £2 a night international visitor tax would raise over £200m per annum, which would address the shortfall in funding of not just the National Gallery but also other museums and attractions with current free access. This would enable such access to be maintained to museums and other heritage attractions for UK residents. With hotel room rates in London often more than £100 per night, a small international visitor tax is unlikely to deter tourists.
Peter Fordham
Holcombe Rogus, Devon
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