HC Deb 26 April 1976 vol 910 cc13-5
14. Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many bodies, other than State-sponsored organisations, he has consulted about Her Majesty's Government's future tourism policy ; and if he will list the dates of such meetings.

Mr. Meacher

In the past 12 months direct discussions have been held by my Department with seven such bodies. besides certain local authorities, on various aspects of tourism policy. These meetings were held in July and December, on three occasions in February and more recently on 31st March last, in addition to more informal exchanges. The four statutory boards which are appointed to advise the Department on the development of tourism consult extensively to that end.

Mr. Adley

I thank the Minister for that reply and declare an interest as a National Council member of the British Hotels, Restaurants and Caterers Association. May I ask the Home Secretary whether as part of his new job he will take an early opportunity to read the report of the BHRCA on tourism and also initiate an early debate on the future of the tourist industry in Britain?

Mr. Meacher

I have certainly seen the document to which the hon. Gentleman referred and have read carefully through the reply of my right hon. Friend's predecessor in which he declared a close agreement with the objectives of the policy and commented on the three main points which were made therein. The question of debate is for my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House, but I will pass the hon. Gentleman's views to him.

Mr. McCrindle

As regards attracting tourists to Britain, in view of the recent fall in the value of the pound does not the Minister agree that the best thing that he and the Government could do would be to take a full-page advertisement in American and German newspapers pointing out that for some people at least the cost of living in Britain is falling daily?

Mr. Meacher

The British Overseas Trade Board and the British Tourist Authority are well aware of all the various ways by which they can attract more tourists to this country. Already earnings from overseas visitors come to £700 million a year.