HC Deb 12 March 1971 vol 813 cc193-4W
Mr. Milne

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will state the number of new hotels built, or in the course of construction, in the Northern Region arising from the operation of the Development of Tourism Act.

Mr. Anthony Grant

I ask the hon. Member to await the report of the English Tourist Board, which administers the arrangements for financial assistance to hotels in England. The board is required to report on its activities as soon as possible after the end of each financial year. The report is laid before Parliament.

Mr. Milne

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the facilities and financial assistance available under the Local Employment Act for the building or extension of hotels in special development and development districts.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Hotels started from 1st April next can be considered for financial assistance under the Local Employment Acts on the same basis as other service industry projects; that is the assistance is available only for projects which bring at least 50 new jobs into the development areas.

Mr. Milne

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what provisions will be made for financial assistance to hotel building in special development and development districts following the withdrawal of the facilities available under the Development of Tourism Act on 31st March, 1971.

Mr. Anthony Grant

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Industry to a Question by the hon. Member for Cornwall, North (Mr. Pardoe) on 8th February, 1971.—[Vol 811, c. 14.]