Subsidised holiday vouchers are scrapped

The government has ruled out subsidising holidays for the most disadvantaged families, saying there are other priorities in the recession.

Liberal Democrat MP Bob Russell called on ministers to hand out vouchers to the poorest families, allowing them to holiday in the UK.

He said social tourism, which is popular in Europe, would not only benefit thousands of children, but would boost the local economies of UK seaside towns.

But during an adjournment debate in the Commons today, education minister Tim Loughton said: "At this moment in time when resources are tight and there are many competing priorities for taxpayers' money, it is simply, I'm afraid, unaffordable for the government to subsidise holidays."