Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide assistance to the?Outward Bound?Trust to ensure it is able to continue to provide (1) financial support to students who wish to attend school residential trips, and (2) tourism services in remote parts of the UK.

We recognise that COVID-19 has significantly impacted the tourism sector, including organisations providing outdoor educational trips. My Department has engaged with stakeholders throughout the crisis to monitor the impact on tourism services across the UK. We will continue to consult the sector to assess how we can most effectively support businesses, organisations and customers during the recovery period.

We have announced unprecedented support for business and workers, including those in the tourism sector, to protect them against the current economic emergency. This includes employee support through the recently extended Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, plus various loan schemes which offer government backed and guaranteed loans.

The Department for Education is currently advising that professional outdoor education and adventure holiday providers that would usually offer activities for schools and/or summer holiday activities to children should remain closed for the time being. This will be kept under review.