§ 15. Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to encourage financial institutions to invest in tourism projects. [17990]
§ Mr. Tom ClarkeA Tourism Forum working group led by Charles Allen of Granada is working on ways of helping investors to reassess the industry. In addition, the need to raise the profile for tourism opportunities in the financial sector was highlighted in the report, "Visitors Welcome", produced by the CBI's Tourism Action Group, on which my Department is represented.
§ 16. Mr. SavidgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the work opportunities which the tourism industry can provide for the welfare-to-work programme. [17992]
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§ Mr. Tom ClarkeAt the New Deal Conference which I hosted on 24 November, I was greatly encouraged by the very positive response to the New Deal from almost 160 key industry leaders present. Further, a survey recently conducted by the British Hospitality Association suggests that 86 per cent. of the BHA membership is willing to offer placements under the programme.
§ 22. Mrs. HumbleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to boost the United Kingdom's income from tourism. [18000]
§ Mr. Tom ClarkeAt a meeting of the new revitalised Tourism Forum on 26 November, I announced that I would be developing a strategy for tourism, for publication next summer, which will specifically address the issue of enabling further growth in tourism.