§ 33. Mr. Allasonasked the President of the Board of Trade what information he has as to the total amount spent by the British Travel Association on market research; towhich market research organisations the work was contracted; and what were the amounts of such expenditure in the years 1963–64, 1964–65 and 1965–66.
§ Mr. JayThe total amount spent on market research over the Association's 16-year life is not readily ascertainable; nor would it be in accordance with practice to name the outside organisations to which parts of the research work were contracted. The total expenditures on research in 1963–64 and the two succeeding years were, respectively, £28,250, £53,000 and £47,650.
§ Mr. AllasonAs there is a considerable Government grant to this body, should not the Minister be interested in 1872 the way that it is spent? Is he satisfied that there is a tendering system in the award of contracts?
§ Mr. JayI agree that research by these bodies is extremely important. We are discussing it with them now. I think it is perfectly possible that there can be improvements.