§ 3. Shona McIsaac (Cleethorpes)What plans he has to ensure that the tourism strategy includes assistance to seaside towns in respect of their provision of affordable family holidays. [62128]
§ The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr. Chris Smith)The new tourism strategy will be 588 comprehensive. It will include proposals for action to increase access to tourism for all and practical suggestions on regeneration for seaside towns.
§ Shona McIsaacI thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. I have one specific question on the tourism strategy: will any money be available for seaside regeneration?
§ Mr. SmithFunds can be made available in various ways to assist with regeneration. It has been announced that more than £3.8 billion will be available from the single regeneration budget, which is in the care of my right hon. and hon. Friends at the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. Some of that money will be available to tackle pockets of deprivation, particularly in coastal towns. I understand that 44 of the bids received so far have included proposals for regeneration in seaside towns. Support from the national lottery can also go to such towns for the restoration of piers and other projects. In addition, I was able to announce this morning that our proposals for a streamlined body to support and foster tourism in England will enable more money to go to the regions to support tourism.
§ Mr. Ronnie Fearn (Southport)Will the Secretary of State take cognisance of what was said at the British Resorts Association conference, which unfortunately he could not attend? Representatives of every resort said what difficult times they were facing. It looks as though they have a bleak future. Is there any help in the strategy for hoteliers who require grants or other help towards refurbishing their premises?
§ Mr. SmithI am well aware of the good work done by the British Resorts Association in supporting and fostering the work of all resort towns, not just seaside towns. We shall keep in regular contact on how the Government can best assist the association in ensuring that our resort towns have a flourishing future rather than a decaying one.
§ Mrs. Joan Humble (Blackpool, North and Fleetwood)Does my right hon. Friend agree that there are many opportunities for local authorities to encourage families to visit seaside resorts? I draw to his attention the initiatives of Blackpool and Wyre borough councils in staging arts events aimed specifically at children and families. In Fleetwood, children have been learning how to juggle and walk on stilts at a circus workshop. The programme is free, so it is affordable for families. Does my right hon. Friend agree that local authorities should be encouraged to adopt such a lively and imaginative way of encouraging and inviting families to come to seaside resorts?
§ Mr. SmithI certainly agree with my hon. Friend. She has given a good example of how local authorities can take imaginative initiatives. She will also be aware from this morning's announcement that the additional funds that we have been able to make available to the Arts Council of England will ensure that much more money goes to the regional arts boards to enable more such work.
§ Mr. Richard Spring (West Suffolk)The Secretary of State will be aware of the anxiety in our traditional seaside resorts about the future of tourism, arising from the 589 current economic climate, which has led to the biggest deficit in tourism in this country's history. Will he assure the House that when the continually delayed tourism strategy is finally unveiled, it will address the needs of seaside resorts specifically?