asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much public money has been spent in the current financial year directly and indirectly on promoting exports, including tourism; and if he will provide an estimate of the increase in the exchange rate which has resulted therefrom.

Total expenditure on export services in 1980–81, including both staff and direct costs in all Departments except for the Ministry of Defence, is estimated at £85·6 million net of charges. This excludes public expenditure in support of export credit.Grant-in-aid provision from Government funds for the four national tourist boards and the British Tourist Authority amounts to £28·6 million in 1980–81.It is not possible to say what effect, if any, expenditure on promoting exports and tourism may have had on the exchange rate.