HC Deb 08 December 1997 vol 302 cc650-1
3. Mr. Waterson

What organisations representing English tourism he has met since 1 May. [17977]

The Minister for Film and Tourism (Mr. Tom Clarke)

Since 1 May, my right hon. Friend and I have met 42 representative organisations. Additionally, we inaugurated the new tourism forum on 26 November, which has 57 members. I shall be completing a programme of visits to each of the 10 regional tourist boards very shortly.

Mr. Waterson

I thank the Minister for his answer. Does he agree that tourism makes a massive contribution to the United Kingdom economy, bringing in more than £100 million in my constituency of Eastbourne alone? Does he also agree that it is now recognised by everyone that it was an appalling blunder not to include the word "tourism" in the name of his Department?

Mr. Clarke

The Government and the tourism industry are achieving such success that trivial points of that nature have long since ceased to be discussed. The new forum, which met on 26 November, was much more concerned about action—action for jobs, and action for a strategy. The previous Government did not achieve that in 18 years.

I am delighted to tell the hon. Gentleman—he published a booklet entitled "Tories for Tourism", but there were no Tories and not much about tourism—that the Government, working with the forum, will publish a plan for tourism early in the summer. I am sure that it will be widely welcomed.

Mr. Corbett

Did my hon. Friend hear Alistair Cooke's "Letter from America" yesterday? Will he underwrite it with his view of the importance of the heritage to Britain's tourism? In particular, will he pay tribute to the Royal Shakespeare Company—both here and in Stratford-upon-Avon—as a vibrant and extremely admission important part of our tourism facilities?

Mr. Clarke

I did, indeed, hear yesterday's broadcast, and was delighted by the international focus given to the success of British tourism under the present Government. I pay tribute to the organisation that my hon. Friend mentioned.

Alistair Cooke made the point that British heritage was extremely important, and of course he was right. That is why my Department contributes about £1 billion to the arts, historical sites, museums, and so forth. Such things have appeal, but consistent with that is the adventurism that Alistair Cooke has demonstrated. Young people and others in Britain who are presenting new designs, new fashions, modern music and up-to-date architecture also present something that attracts tourism abroad and at home. I am sure that Alistair Cooke, with his broad vision, will welcome the commitment to our policies and the support that we enjoy.

Mr. Fearn

The Minister visited my constituency not too long ago when he visited the north-west, and from what I hear he did a good job. When he met the various tourist boards, did he talk about the minimum wage and whether it would apply on a regional basis? Many small hoteliers and people running boarding houses are very worried about the minimum wage. Many others are in favour of it, but the forum needs to discuss regionalism and how the minimum wage will work out. I am sure that the Minister has an answer.

Mr. Clarke

I very much enjoyed my visit to the hon. Gentleman's region, and in particular my visit to his constituency. The subject of the minimum wage was raised, and I was not surprised when once again it was given massive support. I was able to repeat the Government's position: we are committed to a national minimum wage. We appointed the independent Low Pay Commission, to which we were committed, and which includes Stephanie Monk from the tourism industry and Granada. We shall consider the report when it is presented, and my hon. Friend—if I may reciprocate his good nature—can be assured that not only the fears but the hopes of his constituents are safe in the hands of this Government.

Mrs. Betty Williams

What action are the Government taking to ensure full access for disabled people to every aspect of tourism?

Mr. Clarke

My hon. Friend raises an important issue. I pay tribute to everyone involved in "Tourism for All" for the marvellous work that they have done, not least at the breakfast meeting a few weeks ago. I also pay tribute to Mandy Todd of the consortium, who is very much involved in the Quarry Bank project in north-west England. She spoke at the forum on the need to involve disabled people in every aspect of tourism, and in the discussion on the new deal. Her efforts and those of her organisation at Quarry Bank are a wonderful example of best practice for access for disabled people and carers, which many people could emulate to their benefit.