HC Deb 03 December 1985 vol 88 cc142-3
6. Mr. Gerald Bowden

asked the Paymaster General if he intends to increase funding to the British Tourist Authority.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Yes, Sir, but I cannot give a precise amount at this stage. We are increasing the total funding for the British Tourist Authority, English Tourist Board and section 4 next year by some 20 per cent. to £40 million. I have asked the BTA and the ETB to submit details to me by Christmas on how they propose to spend the funds. I have asked them to give additional emphasis in their new plans to improving employment opportunities, encouraging the dispersal of visitors throughout the United Kingdom and extending the tourism season.

Mr. Bowden

I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for that answer. Does he feel that there should be any change of emphasis among the regions where those new resources should be deployed?

Mr. Clarke

We must look at those parts of the country, by no means all of them in the north, where there is potential for improved tourism and the more growth of employment based on tourism and leisure activities. That is a point on which I have asked the boards to concentrate in putting forward their proposals and, as I described in my main answer, to encourage the dispersal of visitors throughout the United Kingdom.

Mr. Willie W. Hamilton

Before the Minister waxes too lyrical about the increased number of jobs in tourism, will he recognise that those are generally no-tech and very low-wage jobs and that that situation is likely to be worsened by the Government's proposals on wages councils?

Mr. Clarke

There is a tendency in manufacturing industry for there to be a declining number of unskilled jobs as technology changes the nature of work. It is, therefore, encouraging to note that some of the jobs being created in this area are for unskilled or less skilled people. Nevertheless, there are many other skilled jobs as well, and the benefits of the increased level of spending by businesses—22 per cent. up this year compared with last year—are spread over a great many activities and provide a wide range of employment for many people.