HC Deb 09 December 1992 vol 215 cc677-8W
Mr. Alfred Morris

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) if he will make it his policy that support for regional tourist boards will not be cut as a result of the tourism review;

(2) for what reason grant in aid support for the tourism industry is to be reduced over the next three years.

Mr. Key

I refer to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Welwyn, Hatfield (Mr. Evans) on 13 November,Official Report, columns 997–98. I believe that the case is now much less strong for central Government funding of the promotion of tourism in England. The English Tourist Board (ETB) has done a great deal over the years to raise standards, to improve access to information, and to show the industry how their products can be developed and marketed. As the industry matures, and the regional tourist boards develop, it is appropriate for other bodies to carry on many of the ETB's central activities. That is reflected in the allocations of Exchequer grants for tourism over the next three years.

However, I also believe that central Government support for the regional tourist boards should continue. I believe that this support should be targeted much more closely than at present on areas of need where tourism might be an instrument of economic regeneration. The English Tourist Board is currently working on proposals for support to the regional tourist boards.

Mr. Alfred Morris

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage for what reason tourism has been excluded from the list of recipients of financial benefits that will be provided by the national lottery.

Mr. Key

The White Paper, "A National Lottery Raising Money for Good Causes", stated that proceeds from the national lottery would be distributed for the arts, sport, heritage and charities. Funds devoted to improving the heritage, arts and sports sectors will also benefit tourism.

Mr. Alfred Morris

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make it his policy to re-establish the post of tourism Minister, with responsibility only for tourism, within his Department.

Mr. Key

My Department brings together for the first time a number of inter-related portfolios, all of which are important to tourism. Both my right hon. Friend and I cover the whole range of the Department's activities, including tourism itself. The industry will benefit from having two Ministers, including one at Cabinet level, whose interests are directly relevant to tourism.

Mr. Alfred Morris

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment has been made of the effect on the early summer tourist trade if the May day bank holiday were to be removed.

Mr. Key

There has been no direct assessment of this kind. However, the English Tourist Board (ETB) takes the view that the May day holiday is too close to the Easter and late spring bank holidays, and generates little extra tourism business. This view is backed by many sections of the tourism industry. The ETB considers that an autumn bank holiday would help to extend the tourist season and thereby promote greater employment opportunities.