§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make a statement on the funding of the English tourist board to each of the regional boards for 1994–95 and 1995–96.
§ Mr. SproatThe allocation of this funding is for the English tourist board to decide, based on discussions with the regional tourist boards as to whether industry needs are better met by action at the centre or action at regional level. Funding levels for 1994–95 are due to be determined in the near future.
§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what projections have been made of the potential expansion of overseas visitors to the United Kingdom over the next three years; and what steps he is taking to guarantee adequate investment to ensure this is achieved.
§ Mr. SproatThe British Tourist Authority, which receives grant aid from my Department, has forecast 5 per cent. average annual growth in visits by overseas tourists, and 6.5 per cent. growth in expenditure by overseas tourists, during the period 1992–97.
279WThe Government will continue to support the work of the British Tourist Authority in promoting Britain overseas; indeed, an increase in planned support was announced in the recent budget. The authority's corporate plan, agreed by Ministers, also sets challenging targets for attracting non-Government funding for its promotional activities.