§ 63 and 64. Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department (1) if he can give any comparative figures showing the amounts spent by the Governments of foreign countries and of Great Britain on the encouragement of tourist traffic;
(2) whether, in view of the financial benefit received by this country from foreign tourists, he will consider restoring the economy cut in the Government grant to the Travel and Industrial Development Association?
§ Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)As regards Great Britain, the Government grant-in-aid to the Travel and Industrial Development Association of Great Britain and Ireland was £5,000 in each of the years 1929–31, and £4,000 in each of the years 1932–34. This grant is borne on the Vote of the Department of Overseas Trade. The information available in regard to the expenditure of 652 foreign Governments is inadequate to serve as a basis of comparison. I am, however, causing inquiries to be made, the result of which I will communicate to my hon. and gallant Friend in due course. With regard to the second question, the amount of the grant for the coming financial year has not yet been decided and will receive consideration in connection with the preparation of the Department's estimates for 1935.
§ Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDIs there any other important country which spends so little as £4,000 a year for this purpose?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEPerhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will be able to judge that when he gets the information which I am sending him.