§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what was(a) the total bill for salaries and expenses for board members, (b) the administrative operating costs and (c) the total annual budget in the latest year for which figures are available for each tourist board in England. [30201]
§ Dr. HowellsThe 10 regional tourist boards (RTBs) of England are private companies and not public bodies. They are not required to present their financial records to the Government for scrutiny. The English Tourist Council have identified the following financial details based on information provided by the RTB's 2000–01 annual reports.
Designated Museums Scheme. The Designated Museums Challenge Fund, which has provided £15 million for designated museums over the period 1999–2000 to 2001–02, will continue with a further £10 million to be awarded in 2002–03 and 2003–04. Designated Museums will shortly have an opportunity to bid for the first tranche of £5 million.