§ Mr. David EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when he expects to announce his review of tourism.
§ Mr. BrookeThe conclusions of the review are reflected in the announcement I made in the context of the autumn statement. They are as follows:
The British Tourist Authority's (BTA) role in promoting Britain abroad is an important one in an increasingly competitive environment. It is vital that BTA continues to secure the maximum possible industry contribution to its work and that it applies taxpayers' money in the most effective and efficient way. I shall expect the board to make proposals for improving its use of resources in its next corporate plan.
The case is now much less strong for central Government funding of the promotion of tourism in England. The English Tourist Board (ETB) has done a great deal over the years to raise standards, to improve access to information, and to show the industry how their products can be developed and marketed. As the industry matures, and the regional tourist boards develop, it is appropriate for other bodies to carry on many of the ETB's central activities.
However I also believe that central Government support for the regional tourist boards should continue. I believe that this support should be targeted much more closely than at present on areas of need where tourism might be an instrument of economic regeneration.
The allocations of Exchequer grant for tourism which I announced in connection with my right hon. Friend's autumn statement reflect these priorities. They are as follows:> 996W
1993–94 £ million 1994–95 (planned) £ million 1995–96 (planned) £ million British Tourist Authority 32.0 32.7 33.5 English Tourist Board 13.9 10.8 9.0 S41 0.3 0.0 0.0 1 Residual liabilities under the S4 capital grants scheme, now wound up.