§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) what programmes analysis review has been carried out as the value of the expenditure of public money on promoting tourism; [22529]
(2) what contribution is made from public funds to the promotion of tourism in the United Kingdom; for what public purpose or purposes; and if he will publish the available evidence on the return produced. [22522]
§ Mr. DorrellThis financial year the combined grant in aid allocation to the British Tourist Authority and the national tourist boards for England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland is close to £90 million. In addition, local authorities in England spend some £62.7 million annually on direct tourism promotion.
The British Tourist Authority and the English tourist board have evaluation studies attached to all their major programmes. Although it is extremely difficult to establish the link between tourist board activity and tourist spend, research undertaken on behalf of the BTA indicates that its activities may stimulate as much as £10 in incremental revenue per £1 spent.
§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is his assessment of proposals made by the British Tourist Authority's VAT working group's report for a reduction in the level of value added tax levied on the accommodation sector. [22947]
§ Mr. DorrellThe report does not take account of all the different costs to business in other member states and therefore I believe does not demonstrate that UK tourism operators are placed at an overall competitive disadvantage because of the level of VAT alone. The Government are working with the industry on a range of measures to improve the competitiveness of British tourism.
§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what representations he has made to other Departments with regard to the report prepared by the British Tourist Authority's VAT working party. [22948]
§ Mr. DorrellMy right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has received a copy of the final report and is aware of the industry's views.