HL Deb 16 June 1986 vol 476 cc589-90

2.44 p.m.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their view on the conflicting conclusions about the extent to which the tourism and leisure industries are increasing employment in the United Kingdom reached by authoritative bodies in recent reports.

The Minister of State for Defence Procurement (Lord Trefgarne)

My Lords, the Government are in no doubt that tourism-related employment has risen substantially in recent years. For example, upwards of 100,000 additional jobs were created between June 1983 and June 1985 in the main industries in this field. The divergence of views on this matter probably stems from the different bases on which employment in tourism are assessed.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for his reply. Is he aware that the principal bodies who appear to be at odds on this matter are the English Tourist Board and the University of Surrey? Can the reason be that assessments have overlooked the self-catering part of the industry? In their own estimates, will the Government ensure that this important part of the industry is taken into account, particularly its expansion and future potential?

Lord Trefgarne

Yes, my Lords, my noble friend is quite right to point to the importance of that particular part of the tourism industry. As I said in my main Answer, different people work out their figures in a different way; and I am sure that is the reason why, they reach different answers.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, did my noble friend notice the statement by the English Tourist Board that 20,000 new jobs could be created if the licensing laws in England and Wales were to be rationalised? They have no doubt observed the enlightened way in which this has already been done in Scotland.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, despite the fact that no change has recently been made in those arrangements, nonetheless over a recent period 8,000 jobs were additionally found in public houses and bars.

Lord Elwyn-Jones

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that there would be great trouble in Wales? If all the pubs were allowed to open on Sundays it would be a disaster.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I bow to the noble and learned Lord's greater experience.