HC Deb 04 February 1980 vol 978 cc42-4W
9. Mr. Murphy

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what steps he is taking to improve tourism in new towns.

Mr. Tebbit

The British Tourist Authority and the three national boards are responsible for encouraging the development of tourism in Britain as a whole, including new towns. In addition, through the national boards, financial aid for specific tourism projects is available in the assisted areas, including projects in new towns in those areas. My Department makes grants for both these purposes to the British Tourist Authority and the English Tourist Board.

30. Mr. Cormack

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what action is being taken at EEC level to promote the development of tourism in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Tebbit

We make full use of Community funds available specifically for tourism.

Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the total value of the tourist trade in the United Kingdom for each of the past five years; and of each year's total how much represented earnings on the external account.

Mr. Tebbit

Official information on the total value of the tourist trade is not collected. Figures of earnings in the United Kingdom from overseas visitors are published quarterly inEconomic Trends, which is in the Library. The latest information appears on page 82 of the December 1979 issue under "Services, Credits, Travel."

Mr. Bradford

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will give a general direction to the British Tourist Authority that Northern Ireland should be represented equally with England, Wales and Scotland in any promotional activities abroad.

Mr. Tebbit

Section 5(3) of the Development of Tourism Act 1969 provides for the British Tourist Authority to carry on activities outside the United Kingdom, at the request of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and on terms agreed between the British Tourist Authority and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, in order to encourage people to visit Northern Ireland. The British Tourist Authority already makes use of these powers to undertake overseas promotional activities on behalf of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.