§ Mr. Easthamasked the Secretary of State for Trade if, in view of its increasing importance to the tourist industry in the North-West, he will make arrangements for Manchester to submit schemes to the European regional development fund in order further to increase the value of its contribution to the tourist industry.
§ Mr. TebbitAs Manchester is located in the assisted areas, tourism projects meeting the objectives of the United Kingdom's regional development programme are eligible for assistance from the regional fund. There are, however, always more eligible infrastructure projects than can be submitted within the United Kingdom's quota; and, in accordance with the fund regulations, priority is given to projects in the special development areas and development areas in preference to those in intermediate areas such as Manchester. Applications are handled by the relevant Government Department; in England, tourism infrastructure projects are submitted by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, and eligible private sector tourism projects receiving assistance from the English Tourist Board are submitted by my Department.