§ 13. Mr. WardTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what representations he has received regarding deregulation and tourism; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SproatI have received a great many representations on this subject from the national and regional tourist boards, from trade and professional associations and from individual business men and women in the tourism and 676 leisure sectors. I reported my initial findings to the House on 27 July and I am taking up with ministerial colleagues the issues raised.
§ Mr. WardMy hon. Friend will understand the importance of tourism to the borough of Poole. Does he also understand the vital necessity of withdrawing the regulations that are impeding progress and, frankly, are unnecessary? I congratulate my hon. Friend and his colleagues on the additional support that they are giving to the tourist industry.
§ Mr. SproatI thank my hon. Friend for the kind remark at the end of his question. I am indeed aware of the importance of tourism to Poole, and he may be interested to know that last week I met a delegation from the British Resorts Association, which is forging a new and helpful relationship with the Department. Of course, we are acutely aware that tourism is one of the largest industries in this country and that it has perhaps not always been given the attention that it should have been, but it will be given it in future.