HC Deb 09 May 1996 vol 277 c218W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what resources are available to Tourism Quality Services Ltd. to enable it to carry out its functions adequately as licensing authority for persons providing facilities for adventure activities; and how many people it employs. [28097]

Mr. Robin Squire

Tourism Quality Services Ltd. will receive income from licence and inspection fees. It is expected to become self-financing on a non-profit-making basis within two to three years. There is a provision in the Activity Centres (Young Persons' Safety) Act 1995 for the Secretary of State to make grants to TQS in respect of expenses which are not met by fees. Provision has been made in the supply estimates for 1996–97 for a grant of up to £238,000 if required. TQS expects eventually to employ between 30 and 40 people to meet the expected demand for licences.