§ 37. Mr. Urwinasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider making a further contribution to the economic and social prosperity of the Northern region by providing grant aid to the newly-established Northumberland and Durham Travel Association.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuThe British Travel Association will contribute up to £2,500 towards an overseas promotion campaign to be conducted this year jointly with the Northumberland and Durham Travel Association. Representatives of the two bodies will be meeting shortly to talk about the scope for research that would be of common interest.
§ Mr. UrwinWhile expressing gratitude for that reply, would my hon. Friend agree that the northern region has much to offer the tourist and that the seven planning authorities responsible for the setting up of this organisation are to be congratulated on their initiative? My hon. Friend mentioned £2,500. Why should the Northumberland and Durham Travel Association be at a disadvantage with the Scottish Tourist Board, which received £75,000, and the Welsh Tourist Board, which received £45,000?
§ Mr. MallalieuI am delighted that this organisation has been set up. I entirely agree with my hon. Friend that this area has a great deal to offer. This is just a start.