§ 6. Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking to improve the statistics available to him about employment in the tourist industry.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkWhat my hon. Friend asks would present considerable difficulties. Employment statistics are analysed according to the Standard Industrial Classification and the tourist industry cannot be separately identified except in these terms.
§ Mr. BlakerIs my hon. Friend aware that those who know the tourist industry feel that the lack of statistics about it is holding back the recognition which is due to it as one of our most important industries? Even if there is difficulty about classifying it separately, would it not be possible to assemble information from other classifications to give an indication of the importance of employment in this industry? Would my hon. Friend consider, if appropriate, meeting myself and some of my hon. Friends to see whether this could be done?
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkI recognise my hon. Friend's continued interest in this great industry over a very long time. There are very great difficulties about what he has suggested. Many different occupations contribute to the tourist trade: hotel workers, catering workers, shopkeepers, transport workers, entertainers and so on. In addition, the work is seasonal and a good many of the people concerned are self-employed. I should be delighted to meet my hon. Friend and other hon. Members who would like to discuss this matter with me.