§ Mr. Rees-Daviesasked the Minister for Trade whether, in order to assist the modernisation of hotels in hitherto unassisted areas, he will increase the grants available under section 4 of the Development of Tourism Act 1969.
§ Mr. SproatAs I announced on 30 July our aim in ending the restriction of section 4 grants to the assisted areas was to ensure that the best tourism projects could be helped, irrespective of their location. I stated on that occasion that a measure of preference would be accorded by the English Tourist Board to projects in all areas of England which involved the upgrading of existing hotel accommodation. In considering the level of funds to be made available for section 4 in England in 1983–84 I shall take into account how these new arrangements for the scheme are working during the current financial year.