§ Mr. Fearnasked the Secretary of State for Employment on what criteria grants are provided for tourist projects such as the building of new local accommodation or the funding of tourist attractions.
§ Mr. LeeThe English tourist board can provide financial assistance under section 4 of the Development of Tourism Act 1969 to help with the capital cost of tourism projects in England which would not otherwise be able to go ahead, either at all or in the planned form or timescale. Projects must be commercially viable and make a positive contribution to employment and to the tourism potential of the area concerned.
§ Mr. Fearnasked the Secretary of State for Employment what help he provides for private enterprise schemes within the tourist industry; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. LeePrivate sector tourism projects are eligible for consideration under the section 4 scheme of selective financial assistance run by the English tourist board. In 1986–87, the ETB approved offers of assistance totalling £14 million, the major part of which went to private sector schemes. Private companies can also benefit both directly and indirectly from marketing activities carried out by the ETB and the regional tourist boards in England and, overseas, by the British Tourist Authority.