§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what percentage the price of foreign holidays, as shown in the retail prices index, has increased since January 1987; what contribution the Government made to that increase; and what has been the effect on the balance of payments and on output and employment in the British tourist industry and on 1992 bookings in United Kingdom tourist destinations compared with the number of overseas holidays.
§ Mr. Nelson[holding answer 18 May 1993]: A price index for foreign holidays has only been compiled for use in the retail prices index since February this year, following the recommendation of the RPI advisory committee. It is not possible properly to isolate the effects of the price of foreign holidays n the balance of payments, output and employment in the British tourist industry; or on 1992 bookings in United Kingdom tourist destinations compared with the number of overseas holidays.