§ Q2. Mr. Barnettasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the growing importance of the holiday industry and the need to cater for its special requirements, he will appoint a Minister for Tourism.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. BarnettWill the Prime Minister look at the matter again? I do not know whether he is aware of the considerable dissatisfaction of the tourist industry with the treatment that it has received from the Government. May I draw his attention to the fact that there has been only one debate on this industry in the whole of this Parliament and that the industry received no consideration in his right hon. Friend's Budget statement?
§ The Prime MinisterI am sorry that there has been only one debate, but the tourist industry is doing pretty well. The estimated expenditure of overseas visitors is about £220 million a year, so it is a very good invisible export. The Board of Trade exercises a co-ordinating function. I myself have taken considerable interest in some of the efforts to co-ordinate this work. I think that the British Travel and Holidays Association, which is the instrument for this purpose, has done a very fine job. We are making progress all the time.
§ Mr. BarnettWill the Prime Minister compare the kind of treatment given by the French and Irish Governments to their tourist industries and that given to our tourist, industry?
§ The Prime MinisterI should, of course, be glad to do so if the hon. Gentleman will help me by giving me some information. All I say is that every single year in the last five years we have increased the profits made from this industry.