§ Mr. Hall-Davisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the powers he has to give financial help to tourism and the tourist industry, the hotel and catering industry, organisations providing or supporting outdoor and indoor recreation, listing the relevant Acts; and what bodies are in receipt of grant from his Department which are empowered by their articles or terms of reference to give financial help for these activities.
§ Mr. Denis HowellMy right hon. Friend has no statutory powers to give direct assistance to the tourist industry or the hotel and catering industry but is able to help the following bodies concerned with recreation:
- Local authorities (Local Government Act 1974).
- County Councils with National Parks in their areas (Local Government Act 1974).
- The Sports Council (Physical Training and Recreation Acts 1937 and Annual Appropriation Act 1974).
- The Countryside Commission (National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and Countryside Act 1968).
- The Development Commission (Development and Road Improvement Funds Act 1909 and 1910).
- The British Waterways Board (Transport Act 1968).
- Water Authorities (Water Act 1973).
The following grant-aided bodies are empowered to give financial help for the provision of recreational facilities and in some cases for promoting tourism:
- Local authorities.
- The Sports Council.
- The Countryside Commission (wholly financed from the DOE Vote).
The Council for Small Indus tries in Rural Areas (tourism loans scheme) Financed from the Development Fund. Rural Community Councils National Council for Social Service (Village Halls loans Scheme)