 The government has diverted �2.2bn of lottery money to Games |
MPs have expressed "deep concern" about lottery money being diverted from Britain's heritage sector to fund the 2012 Olympics. The report by the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport committee said it should be treated as a loan and returned to fund museums and galleries.
The government said �2.2bn raised by lottery will go towards the 2012 Games.
The report said the contribution should not be increased if the bill exceeds the figure set out by the government.
Funding 'tragedy'
Committee chairman John Whittingdale said museums had flourished due to support from lottery funds.
"It would be a tragedy if the gains made were now put at risk due to funding being cut off.
"It is essential that the government both continues to provide support to our museums, galleries and archives from public funds and creates greater incentives to encourage private giving," he added.
The report Caring for Our Collections also suggested the government must sell the land after the Games to reimburse the British heritage sector.
Responding to the committee's report the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: "Tessa Jowell has already committed to ensuring the lottery will share in the profits from the returns on the investment we are making in the Olympic Park."
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
