British Tourist Authority

HC Deb 27 February 1985 vol 74 c188W

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy that the budget of the British Tourist Authority is at least maintained in real terms at its 1981 level.

Mr. Butcher

The Government fully recognise the important contribution and potential of the tourism industry to the growth of the United Kingdom economy and employment. My Department will, therefore, seek to encourage the development, growth and international competitiveness of the United Kingdom tourism industry. The future level of the British Tourist Authority's grant-in-aid will be set with this objective in mind and with regard to the wider context of the need to contain the growth of public expenditure generally.