HC Deb 07 July 1983 vol 45 cc152-3W
Mr. Gale

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied with procedures for considering English applications for financial assistance under section 4 of the Development of Tourism Act 1969; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Norman Lamont

In the light of views about the operation of the Section 4 scheme received in the course of the tourism review, the English tourist board has proposed certain improvements in procedures. I have now approved these. From now on the English tourist board has authority to approve individual offers of assistance up to £200,000 without reference to my Department, whereas previously the upper limit was £50,000. In addition, simplified arrangements are being introduced for certain types of smaller projects, details of which are being announced by the board today. These improvements should speed the treatment of cases and should enable the English tourist board to make full use of the increase in the provision for the section 4 scheme in England to just over £8 million in 1983–84.