§ Lord James Douglas-Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to increase the effectiveness of tourism grants and loans in stimulating tourism development in Scotland.
§ Mr. YoungerI have today approved a substantial increase in the level of financial assistance to tourist projects which the Scottish Tourist Board may offer within its own discretion.
The board now has authority to approve individual offers of assistance of up to £200,000. This will give STB greater flexibility in responding to a wide range of worthwhile initiatives; and will encourage developers to bring forward proposals to the board. It will give an added stimulus to the extension and improvement of Scotland's tourist infrastructure which is crucial to maintaining our competitiveness as a tourist destination.