§ 8. Mr. Hicksasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied that the views of the private sector interests are adequately represented in the formation of policies affecting tourism.
§ Mr. MeacherYes, Sir.
§ Mr. HicksDoes not the Minister agree that the private sector activities and facilities still form the majority part of the tourist industry? Will he consider the possibility of increasing regular but informal discussion meetings chaired by himself at which all interested groups can be represented?
§ Mr. MeacherI appreciate the crucial importance of the private sector in the promotion of tourism and the carrying out of projects. The heart of consultation lies in regular daily contact between the Department's officials and Ministers and the private sector about specific projects that take place. That already takes place. I am ready to discuss the hon. Gentleman's suggestion about specific discussions if I receive representations from the appropriate bodies.
§ Mr. CostainHas the Minister's attention been drawn to an answer I received recently showing that unemployment had risen from 2 per cent. to 8 per cent. in Folkestone and Hythe, a constituency which has not a hope of getting any industry because of the priority given to development and other areas? Will the hon. Gentleman put on his thinking cap and consider ways of giving similar priority to tourism in these areas, because that is our only hope of getting unemployment down?
§ Mr. MeacherOther forms of selective assistance are available under the Industry Acts 1972 and 1975 for which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry is responsible, and the hon. Gentleman can make his representations in that quarter.
As regards changing the guidelines which were set down in November 1974 with regard to the pursuit of tourism, we need an opportunity to see whether they are working effectively. Given the limitation on funds, if we were to make an extension to certain South Coast resorts, for example, the thin spread of assistance would be likely to weaken the whole effect of the exercise.
§ Mr. AdleyIs the Minister aware that the satisfaction expressed in his initial answer was not shared by those members of the Association of Wessex Guides to whom I was making my presidential address on Saturday afternoon? Is he aware that, on the whole, those in the tourist industry believe that successive Governments have not taken the tourist industry sufficiently seriously? Will he pay particular attention to the suggestion of my hon. Friend the Member for Bodmin (Mr. Hicks)?
§ Mr. MeacherI have said that I shall respond as positively as I can to representations of that kind. The Government do not understate the importance of the tourist industry, because the industry's export earnings in the current year are likely to be about £1½ billion.