HC Deb 10 November 1980 vol 992 c20W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how much money is now being spent directly and indirectly promoting tourism in the United Kingdom; and whether the amount has increased proportionately to the appreciation in the exchange rate.

Mr. Tebbit

Grant-in-aid provision from Government funds for the four national tourist boards and the British Tourist Authority amounts to £28.6 million in 1980–81 compared with £24.7 million in 1979–80. In addition, the boards use their grants-in-aid to attract additional revenue from commercial sources. Information on direct expenditure by the trade in promoting tourism is not available. The grant-in-aid provision for overseas expenditure of the British Tourist Authority takes account of fluctuations in exchange rates.