Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative) on Wednesday, 7 March 2018, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 March 2018. It was answered by Lord Ashton of Hyde (Conservative) on Monday, 19 March 2018 on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

National Portrait Gallery

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the trustees of the National Portrait Gallery following the decision to close that gallery to public access to allow a private commercial event on 19 February.

Answer: Government has not had discussions with the trustees of the National Portrait Gallery about its closure on 19 February but it was informed in advance. The National Portrait Gallery is an arm’s length body of government and determines its own operational matters in accordance with its management agreement with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Sponsored museums must protect public access to their permanent collections which is why closures are extremely rare and exceptional.

Secondary information