LETTER : Heritage costs

From Mr George J. Levy

Sir: Virginia Bottomley, the Heritage Secretary, is to be congratulated for robustly opposing the Treasury's suggestion, contained in a leaked letter, that National Lottery funds should be used to relieve the Government of its financial obligation to the arts (report, 11 October).

At the Conservative Party conference Mrs Bottomley also made the welcome announcement that by building on the success of the National Lottery she wanted "every schoolchild to have the opportunity to share our splendid artistic heritage".

But this very important initiative for "young people" might well be in danger if inadequate core funding, by the Treasury, necessitates continuing staff cuts and room closures in museums, where these heritage objects are normally displayed.

Yours faithfully,

George J. Levy

H. Blairman and Sons

London, W1

12 October