§ 17. Mr. HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many representations he has received in response to his tourism review; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeThe review team has spoken to almost 150 individuals and organisations in the tourism industry in preparing the report. In addition, I have received a number of written submissions which have also been seen by the review team. I have also received a number of representations on matters of tourism policy which I shall be considering in addition to the report from the review team.
§ 21. Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment when he last met the chairman of the British Tourist Authority to discuss the promotion of tourism in the north-west of England.
§ Mr. LeeI last met the chairman of the British Tourist Authority on 9 November 1988. Discussions related to the promotion of tourism in all parts of the country.
§ 22. Mr. Jacques ArnoldTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people were employed in tourism and tourism-related employment in the United Kingdom in December 1988 and December 1983; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeThe latest available estimate for employment in tourism-related industries relates to September 1988, when there were 1.4 million employees in employment in tourism-related industries. The equivalent estimates for September and December 1983 are 1.2 million and 1.1 million respectively.
§ 23. Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the progress of the tourism review.
§ Mr. FowlerI hope to consider the report on this shortly.
§ 24. Mr. ButterfillTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking to support tourism and leisure industries within traditional seaside resort towns.
§ Mr. LeeThe development of the tourism and leisure industries in seaside towns is primarily a matter for the private sector and the local authorities. The national and regional tourist boards provide support and advice through a range of marketing and development activities.
§ 34. Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many applications were received by the tourist boards for section 4 tourist grant; what were the total funds awarded in 1988; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeIn 1988, 694 applications were considered for assistance by the English tourist board under section 4 of the Development of Tourism Act 1969. The total value of assistance offered during this period was £12.3 million.