§ Mr. Allen McKayTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what period will be allowed for consultation by interested bodies following publication of the report on the review of tourism before any Government action is taken.
§ Mr. LeeA wide range of individuals and organisations have been consulted during the preparation of the review team's report.
§ Mr. Allen McKayTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects to publish the report on the review of tourism.
§ Mr. Allen McKayTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to ensure the continuing existence and uprating of section 4 grant aid assistance for the promotion of tourism.
§ Mr. LeeA review of tourism policy by my Department was announced by my right hon. Friend in July. The section 4 scheme of assistance is being considered as part of this review.
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what calculation he has made of the impact on tourism of the possible withdrawal of university halls of residence from commercial letting as a result of any reduction in University Grants Committee funding of the commercial rates paid by halls to local authorities.
Mr. JacksonI have been asked to reply.
Rates paid in respect of university halls of residence are not currently reimbursed by the University Grants Committee. A decision by the Universities Funding Council not to reimburse the cost of business rates payable, after the introduction of the community charge, in respect of halls of residence used for commercial letting would effectively maintain the present position and therefore should not affect the commercial letting of university halls of residence or have an adverse impact on tourism or revenue received by local authorities.