Culture cash fears threaten plans

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Ministers have launched an inquiry into how the vast overspend was allowed to develop and officials admitted that they may face some "difficult decisions" over where it could be clawed back.

A DCMS spokeswoman said: "Our capital budget is currently overcommitted. Ministers are examining the reasons for this and looking for solutions. It is possible that difficult decisions will be needed, but none has been taken yet."

Ambitious projects such as a new wing for the British Museum, the redevelopment of Tate Modern and the Stonehenge visitor centre are among those reported by The Guardian to be at risk.

The "black hole", which sources suggested was caused by a number of factors including the recession, is in the budget for this year and next.

Officials are believed to be going through them line by line in a bid to find where the money can be found, with some projects expected to be delayed by several years at best.

Culture minister Barbara Follett sounded the alarm earlier this month when she indicated that £22.5 million promised for the £135 million British Museum scheme in December 2007 was not secure.

"Both the Secretary of State and I are in discussions with them. It's a great idea and we would love to support it, but it's very difficult at the moment," she told The Times.

"There are too many schemes bidding for too little money. There are several excellent schemes that will help with the economy, would be a stimulus and will create more jobs and wonderful visitor attractions. We just have to weigh them up."