§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total expenditure in cash terms and at constant 1988 prices of the Scottish Development Agency on the tourism industry in each year since the establishment of the Scottish Development Agency; and what percentage these figures represent of the total expenditure of the Scottish Development Agency in each of these years.
§ Mr. LangThe Scottish Development Agency's activity in tourism is concerted with the Scottish Tourist Board, the Highlands and Islands Development Board and other interested bodies in Scotland. The agency has provided loan and equity finance for tourism projects which meet its normal investment criteria, and has also funded tourist projects under the local enterprise grants for urban projects scheme and the programme for rural initiatives and developments. Expenditure on tourist projects from these sources is as follows:
Expenditure on tourism by SDA Cash terms £ million Per cent. SDA expenditure Real terms £ million Per cent. SDA expenditure 1983–84 0.143 0.17 0.170 0.17 1984–85 0.240 0.3 0.273 0.3 1985–86 0.235 0.3 0.253 0.3 1986–87 4.62 6.4 4.82 6.4 The above table represents 14 investments. Prior to 1983–84 separate figures were not kept. In addition, the SDA funds feasibility studies, land engineering and property development projects which may have a tourist element.