HC Deb 27 March 1985 vol 76 cc466-7
8. Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what new steps he is taking to encourage tourism in East Anglia.

Mr. Lamont

The Government will continue to fund the promotion of all areas of England, including East Anglia, through the English tourist board and to provide an economic climate in which this sector can continue to grow and prosper.

Mr. Freud

I am grateful for the reply, and East Anglia is grateful for what the Government have done but will the Minister speak to the English tourist board and do something about its preoccupation with advertisements for Stratford, Oxford, Caernarfon and Edinburgh, and encourage it to broadcast the allure of Foul Anchor, Prickwillow and Pidley Fen?

Mr. Lamont

I know of the hon. Gentleman's personal interest in tourism, as I had to pay, not an extortionate, but a handsomely priced car parking fee when I went to the Walberswick crab fishing festival last year and used his car park.

Mr. Freud

For charity.

Mr. Lamont

I shall certainly draw the attention of the chairman of the tourist board to the hon. Gentleman's point. It is our intention that the regions of England should be able to market themselves strongly through the tourist board's activities. I am in favour of some devolution from the ETB to the regions.

Mr. Yeo

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Budget changes in national insurance contributions will stimulate employment in the tourist industry in East Anglia by making it possible for people to accept lower paid jobs in that service industry, and that, therefore East Anglia will be ready to meet the large influx of tourists which my hon. Friend is helping us to achieve?

Mr. Lamont

My hon. Friend is right. The changes in national insurance contributions announced in the Budget will make a considerable difference to the economics of the hotel and tourism industries.