THE Archbishop of York will today answer critics who are objecting to plans to charge visitors to the city's historic Minster.

Dr David Hope, one of the most powerful figures in the Church of England, has called a news conference to explain how the attraction is suffering a financial crisis.

At the midday meeting at York Minster, Dr Hope will face questions about the controversial policy of charging visitors an entry fee.

It has been proposed there should be a compulsory charge of £3.50 per adult to visit the cathedral in the heart of the city centre.

The current average donation is about 40p per visitor.

There was further outcry in recent weeks about a plan to save cash at the cash-strapped diocese by closing its historic Minster library.

The Archbishop, the second most powerful figure in the Church, is due to make an announcement about the future of the library which houses more than 120,000 books and documents, including the Saxon York Gospels.

Dr Hope was also expected to defend the way the Minster's finances have been handled following criticism that funds have been wasted.

The cathedral, which dates back to 1220, is struggling against an annual deficit of £550,000 and has been hit by the falling stock market.

It is understood that the Archbishop was opposed to charging visitors but realised the financial necessity of doing so for at least two years.

A Minster spokesman said last night: ''Dr Hope is expected to express his confidence in the financial structures now in place to ensure good stewardship of the Minster finances, announce a decision on the future of the books in the York Minster library building, and practical details relating to the introduction of charging for tourists will be available.

''He will be joined at the Press conference by the Acting Dean, Canon Glyn Webster and the Chapter Steward, Peter Lyddon.''