HC Deb 24 April 1990 vol 171 cc174-5W
35. Mrs. Maureen Hicks

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what impact tourism has made on employment in the west midlands.

Mr. Nicholls

Information is not available in the form requested, but it is estimated that the number of employees in employment in the hotel and catering industry in the west midlands in December 1989 was 89,000—5,000 more than in December 1988.

44. Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to publicise the advantages for tourists of visiting areas outside the main tourist centres.

Mr. Nicholls

From 1 April 1990, much of the work of the English tourist board has been devolved to the 12 regional tourist boards, together with substantially increased resources. This will enable the regional boards to market their regions more effectively, thereby encouraging the wider dispersal of tourism.

65. Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are employed in the tourism industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Nicholls

The available information is published in table 8.1 of the April 1990 issue ofEmployment Gazette.

Mr. Lofthouse

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether his Department has commissioned any research into the effects of withdrawal of section 4 tourism grant funding on the tourism industry.

Mr. Nicholls

My Department has commissioned research to look at the progress of those tourism projects whose applications to the English tourist board could not be considered before the suspension of the section 4 scheme.