§ 9. Mr. AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has included consideration of the casino industry in the current review on tourism.
§ Mr. LeeThe review team has consulted with a large number of people involved in all aspects of the tourism industry, including casinos.
§ Mr. AtkinsonWill my hon. Friend confirm the valuable contribution that the casino industry makes to British tourism, not least in my constituency of Bournemouth? But does he agree that that contribution is nothing compared with the contribution that the industry makes in Europe to tourism there? Will he now seek to remove all those petty restrictions, such as the 24-hour rule, which are proving so damaging to our casino industry?
§ Mr. LeeI acknowledge the contribution that casinos make, although their importance can be exaggerated. I am conscious of my hon. Friend's constituency interest in the matter. When the review team received consultations and representations, no particular issues were raised by companies with casino interests, though obviously Home Office Ministers will receive and hear the comments of my hon. Friend regarding casinos.
§ Mr. David ShawWill my hon. Friend confirm that the current review will include a sufficient number of cases to enable it to examine small businesses and the contribution. they make to tourism? Will he ensure that the review results in suggestions being made to encourage more growth in small businesses involved in the tourism industry?
§ Mr. SpeakerIn the casino industry.
§ Mr. LeeI hear the comments that my hon. Friend makes about the review. I am satisfied that the review team had adequate opportunity to hear a whole range of representations from large and small firms—including casinos.