§ Mr. Rees-Daviesasked the Minister for Trade whether he will make a statement on the progress of his review of tourism regarding the structure and future of the tourist industry.
§ Mr. SproatIn the course of my review so far, I have personally met over 50 organisations representing a very wide spectrum of professional and geographic interests. I have been greatly impressed by the interest shown in this review, and by the widespread concern to ensure that the resources available for the development of tourism in the United Kingdom are applied in the most effective way, and that unnecessary obstacles to growth are removed. The issues which have been raised with me include not only matters which are the responsibilities of my Department but affect the responsibilities of a number of other Departments, and I am pursuing these with my right hon. and hon. Friends concerned.
The consultants, who were appointed on 1 October to review the activities of the British Tourist Authority and the English Tourist Board, have been asked to report by 30 November. It remains my intention to complete the collection of evidence for my review before Christmas with a view to policy decisions in the New Year.