To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make it his policy to reintroduce section 4 grants in England to fund tourism-related projects; how many representations he has had over the withdrawal of section 4 grants; what consultations he has had with the British Tourist Authority regarding section 4 grants; and if he will make a statement.

No. Funding for the section 4 scheme in England was withdrawn in 1989 because of doubts about its value and effectiveness. Nothing since the scheme's suspension has given cause to believe that its reintroduction in England would be justified.The Department has on occasions, received representa-tions in support of reintroducing some form of financial assistance for tourism projects. The British Tourist Authority has not offered any comment on the withdrawal of funding for the section 4 scheme in England.