HC Deb 20 May 1986 vol 98 cc163-5
2. Mr. Chapman

asked the Paymaster General what is the latest estimate of the number of foreign tourists coming to Britain in the current year; and how this compares with the actual number in 1985.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. David Trippier)

The British Tourist Authority has forecast that 15.1 million overseas visits will be made to the United Kingdom this year—4 per cent. more than last year's record figure of 14.5 million.

Mr. Chapman

As American visitors are important to the success of the British tourist industry and there is talk that this year fewer may come to the United Kingdom because of recent events, will my hon. Friend encourage an initiative for American television personalities who are respected in this country and work here to go on television services in the United States to point out the virtues of coming here, not least of which is the statistical fact that it is safer for anyone to walk the streets of any town or city in the United Kingdom, than it is to do so in any town or city in the United States?

Mr. Trippier

My hon. Friend makes a good point. He will be pleased to hear that the British Tourist Authority is planning a major marketing drive in the United States using the slogan, "Britain speaks your language." It will feature well-known American personalities from entertainment and other spheres, as well as Americans living in or visiting the United Kingdom.

Mr. Willie W. Hamilton

Does the Minister appreciate that any reduction in the number of American tourists coming here is a direct consequence of the Government's agreement to allow those American aeroplanes to bomb Libya? That is the reason for the reduction in the number of American tourists. Will he also concede that although the Government boast that this industry is growing, it represents the most underpaid and grossly exploited workers in Britain today?

Mr. Trippier

I could not disagree more with the hon. Gentleman's first point, because terrorism was running rife before the support that the Government gave to the American Federal Government over the bombing of Libya. There has not been a reaction as he is suggesting. As to his latter point, it is pretty clear to all hon. Members who closely analyse the facts that the 50,000 net increase in jobs in tourism represents real jobs. It is no good the hon. Gentleman seeking to rubbish the industry as he does.

Mr. Butterfill

Will my hon. Friend confirm that the decline in the number of American tourists has been grossly exaggerated by the media? It now appears that rather more people will be coming than was previously anticipated, and we hope that the royal wedding will attract even greater numbers.

Mr. Trippier

My hon. Friend is right—the figures are grossly exaggerated. It is important to get the matter in perspective. There are suggestions of a 15 per cent. downturn in visitors from America, but this will have an effect of only 3 per cent. on spending in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Wainwright

Will the Minister investigate the likelihood that one major deterrent to trans-Atlantic visits this year is the persistent and depressing reports of the vile English weather? [Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. I am not sure that there is Government responsibility for that.

Mr. Wainwright

Therefore, will he invite the various tourist boards to cease fostering the illusion of continuous British sunshine and instead emphasise this country's unrivalled facilities for indoor entertainment?

Mr. Trippier

The hon. Gentleman has an important point, although it would be stretching credulity to breaking point to think that anybody is attracted to this country because of the climate. I accept that point. However, the weather did not have a deterrent effect on those who came here last year and experienced what was a poor, or non-existent, summer, because figures for the first three months of this year are up on the figures for the same period last year, and we still expect an increase in inward tourism across the board, although I accept that there will be a downturn in the number of American tourists.

Mr. Harris

I accept my hon. Friend's remarks. Is he aware that in certain areas of the country, particularly the south-west, there has been a decline in bookings from America and a number of cancellations? In no way do I associate myself with remarks made by Opposition Members, but is my hon. Friend aware that some people feel a little disappointed that this country having stood by America, some American tourists are not standing by this country and their plans to visit it?

Mr. Trippier

My hon. Friend's first point is valid and is a fact, not a hypothesis, and I am prepared to accept that there have been the cancellations to which I referred. As to what the Government can do about it, I still think that my hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet (Mr. Chapman) made the most useful and constructive suggestion. What matters is not what Ministers and the Government say to Americans over there, but what Americans living here, such as the ambassador, say to their fellow countrymen to impress on them that the United Kingdom is a safe destination.

Mr. Prescott

The House will be aware that in the past two Question Times for the Department of Employment, great play has been made of how the tourist industry has created jobs. Has the Minister seen the report this week in The Economist by Mr. Victor Middleton of Sussex university, who says that the boom conditions claimed for the tourist industry are little higher than they were in 1979, or his conclusion that the prediction of the creation of 100,000 jobs in the next four years is not only unrealistic but shown to be unfounded by the available evidence? Is this not a further example of the Government following their policy of massaging the unemployment figures downwards by talking jobs up?

Mr. Trippier

I do not know how the Government can be accused of massaging the figures when the article contains only predictions by a journalist, who I believe is a university academic. The figure we have used, and which was quoted earlier in Question Time by my right hon. and learned Friend the Paymaster General was 50,000 jobs. I do not know how the hon. Gentleman arrives at the figure of 100,000 jobs over the next four years. The figure to which the Government constantly refer is 50,000 jobs. There is clear evidence that that is the number of jobs that have been created, year on year, for the last three years.