MPs have praised Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry for its money making schemes.

These include its virtual parachute attraction and historic train rides.

Other museums and art galleries should follow its lead and be more businesslike in raising cash to develop their exhibits, said the Commons Public Accounts Committee.

"Unbelievably, some museums and galleries have made losses on activities supposed to generate income and have an inadequate grasp on the costs involved," said the committee's chairman, Tory MP Edward Leigh.

The government hands out grants of around '270m a year to museums and galleries, which generate extra income of '108m from fund-raising and admission charges, according to the committee.

"But income raised from these sources has been variable in recent years and museums and galleries need to be much more businesslike to tap into the potential for further growth," said Mr Leigh.

"Income raised enables them to invest in their collections and provide better access, facilities and education to the public."

Mr Leigh said museums and galleries should establish five-year targets for increasing income.

The Culture Media and Sport Department had to do more, including the sharing of ideas such as those of the Manchester science museum. Tweet