§ Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Minister for Trade if he will list those measures taken by his Department to support the tourist industry since May 1979.
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§ Mr. SproatMy Department continues to support and encourage the tourist industry mainly by grant-aiding the British Tourist Authority and the English Tourist Board, and by providing the English Tourist Board with funds to operate the scheme of project assistance under section 4 of the Development of Tourism Act 1969. From 1 August 1982 that assistance scheme was extended to the whole of England. Since August 1980 the Department has provided exchange risk cover on loans from the European Investment Bank to tourism projects in assisted areas. The Department will also provide exchange risk cover on loans to tourism projects under the new community instrument. As has been announced by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Industry, loans under the NCI will be arranged through the European Investment Bank and will be available to small and medium sized firms in all areas.