Is it true, the Science Museum in London is about to scrap its admission charges

A. Yes and no. It will only be free to get into the museum on Sunday, 17 June - Father's Day. But there are plans to abolish admission charges to the museum from 1 December. Sunday will be a trial run.

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Q. Have you always previously had to pay to get into the museum

A. No prior to 1988, entry to the museum was free.

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Q. Why the sudden about turn

A. The Labour government has always been keen to encourage greater access to museums and promised to scrap charges in the last parliament.�A change in the VAT law has also made it easier for museums not to charge.

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Q. Do any other museums plan to scrap their admission charges

A. The Science Museum's neighbouring museums, the Natural History Museum and the Victorial and Albert Museum hope to�be free for all by December and November respectfully. The National Maritime�Museum in Greenwich will be free from December and the Imperial�War Museum is expected to make an annoucement soon on this matter.

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The National Museums of Scotland has already ended�charges�at its Edinburgh attractions - the National Museum of Scotland and the Royal Museum. It is also considering doing the�same for the Museum of Flight in East Lothian, and the National War Museum at Edinburgh Castle.

The Tony Blair's government plans to make all national museums and galleries free within ten years.

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Q. Will the museums suffer from lack of funds when the charges end

A. No, the government has promised to make up any shortfalls.

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Q. Is there any evidence that admission charges do deter visitors

A. Yes,�the National Museum of Scotland and the Royal Museum in Edinburgh have seen a huge surge in admissions since they dropped entry fees in April. More than 85,000 visitors�passed through their doors in April, a 40% rise on the same�period last year.�

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B y Anna Tobin