§ 7. Michael Fabricant (Lichfield)What assessment he has made of the impact of the foot and mouth epidemic and September 11 on tourism into Wales from (a) England and (b) abroad. [83073]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Don Touhig)There is strong and positive evidence of recovery in the tourism industry in Wales in 2002 compared with 2001. I know that the hon. Gentleman is a regular visitor to Wales, and makes an important contribution to the growth of our tourism industry.
§ Michael FabricantAs the Minister knows, I am a keen climber of Cader Idris. When I go to climb Cader Idris, of course I stay at Dolffanog Fach with Sioned and Danny Oliver. But does the Minister realise that only 2 per cent. of overseas visitors to the United Kingdom go to Wales? What can he do, and what can the Welsh tourism industry do, to attract more overseas visitors—not just me from England!—to Wales?
§ Mr. TouhigThe guest house at Dolffanog Fach must he the most famous in Britain. I think that was the third time the hon. Gentleman has referred to it since I have been a Wales Office Minister.
In fact, only last night I discussed the subject of bringing people to Wales from abroad with Charles Skinner, an official from the American Embassy, in the Wales office. I can tell the hon. Gentleman that the Wales tourist board has a record budget of £23 million for 2002–03. A further £15.3 million will be used through two objective 1 projects, for which the Assembly will provide match funding, as part of a campaign to make Wales better known and to draw in many more visitors.
897 I hope that the hon. Gentleman, and all other Members, will continue to visit Wales.
§ Gareth Thomas (Clwyd, West)Given the huge potential of tourism to create jobs—10 per cent. of the Welsh work force are involved in it—does the Minister agree that the Wales tourist board should embark on a strong campaign to attract flagship tourism projects to other parts of the Wales, including north Wales and my constituency?
§ Mr. TouhigI have been very impressed by the Wales tourist board's work to promote Wales across the United Kingdom, and in Europe beyond. Tourism is a major contributor to the Welsh economy: about 100,000 people work in tourism in Wales, and it brings in about £2.6 billion in income. It is an important part of our infrastructure, and an important facility that Wales can offer the world. We must do all that we can to promote it.
As I have said, I am greatly encouraged by the work of the Wales tourist board. I certainly think that my hon. Friend's part of north Wales has many attractions, and that many people would be delighted to visit it.
§ Mr. Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire)Earlier this year I led a delegation of tour operators from objective 2 areas, who explained to the Secretary of State's predecessor the difficulty they were experiencing in using a recovery fund because of European regulations. Since then we have heard nothing from the Wales Office. Can the Minister tell me what progress has been made?
§ Mr. TouhigI know of the hon. Gentleman's concern, and I know about the deputation that he brought to see my right hon. Friend the former Secretary of State.
The rural recovery plan, which was launched in July 2001, is worth about £65 million. It contains a number of measures to combat the problems we found in rural Wales as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak. Within that spending limit, £21 million has been made available through local authorities to assist small businesses. It is an important contribution to helping small business and the tourism industry in rural Wales to recover.
Figures indicate that tourism is growing in Wales post-11 September and post-foot and mouth. We must do all that we can to encourage that.[Interruption.]
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Once again the House is far too noisy.