HC Deb 17 May 1999 vol 331 cc629-30
7. Mr. Robert Walter (North Dorset)

What is his assessment of the working time directive's impact on the tourism industry in Dorset. [83414]

The Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting (Janet Anderson)

The Government believe that the working time regulations are business friendly for all parts of the United Kingdom. They strike a balance between the need for effective legislation, providing fair minimum standards for workers, and ensuring that businesses are not subject to unnecessary burdens.

Mr. Walter

The businesses involved in the tourism industry in my constituency will be disappointed by that reply. In North Dorset, tourism is conducted by small commercial businesses and voluntary organisations, which are having imposed on them more and more regulations—of which the working time directive is but one. Will the Minister tell us in a simple, factual way what is the Government's estimate of the extra cost to those businesses of the working time directive and the other Government regulations that have been introduced in the past two years? She has so far failed to answer that question.

Janet Anderson

As the hon. Gentleman will know, it is difficult to estimate the typical costs, and many businesses have been completely unaffected; but we are aware of the concern that has been expressed in some quarters about possible burdens placed on employers in the maintaining of records for the purpose of the regulations. The record-keeping requirements were, however, designed to be implemented flexibly, and in many cases, existing records can be used. The Government propose shortly to provide supplementary guidance, which will aim to give businesses practical advice.

Dr. Brian Iddon (Bolton, South-East)

Is my hon. Friend aware that during most of the period when the Conservatives were in control, Britain's share of the world tourism industry fell—from 6.7 per cent. in 1980 to 5 per cent. in 1997—and that they did nothing to combat that?

Janet Anderson

My hon. Friend is right. That is why we produced our strategy for tourism in February this year.

I remind my hon. Friend that, for the first time in many years, the Secretary of State announced an increase in funds for the British Tourist Authority of £5 million over the next three years, and an extra £2.8 million for the new English Tourism Council over the next two years. That compares very favourably with cuts imposed by the last Government, who reduced the funding of the English tourist board from £25 million to less than £10 million.