ABSTRACT
The Conservative Government lasted from June 1970 to March 1974 and Labour held office from then to May 1979. During this whole phase some common ground existed. There were similar views on the use of provisions in the Act for public spending on facilities and amenities to foster development in economically weak geographical areas. But Labour placed greater emphasis on this in the publication of its Guidelines in 1974. Both parties, when in power, strongly supported the British Tourist Authority’s overseas promotion activity. Other noncontentious elements were the use of public funds to promote domestic markets and information services for tourists within Great Britain. Throughout, the establishment of area organizations within England, Scotland and Wales and the progressive devolution of functions to them was encouraged. Both Governments tended to stand back while the BTA and National Tourist Boards attempted to settle among themselves the demarcation of some functions left unclear in the Act.
