§ Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the level of investment in tourism and leisure projects in each of the last five years; and what is his estimate for the next two years' investment.
§ Mr. ForthThe table gives the latest figures published by the English tourist board of the amount of investment632W in tourism projects worth £500,000 or more which were completed during each of the last five calendar years. Further projects to a total value of £2,878 million were still under construction on 30 June 1990.
Value of tourism projects completed during the year (England) Year £ million 1985 247 1986 452 1987 429 1988 605 1989 972 The English tourist board does not publish forecasts of tourism investment.
§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a statement concerning the current position of the British tourist industry.
§ Mr. ForthThe tourism industry is an important component of our economy. It contributes some £22 billion to the United Kingdom's gross domestic product and provides work directly for nearly 1.5 million people. I am confident that the industry, working with the tourist boards, will be able to reassert its position in the world market once the Gulf crisis is resolved. The Government are determined to sustain international confidence in this country as a tourist destination. We have applied strict security measures at international airports and ports, and the security record of British airlines is first class. If visitors are deterred from travelling, this can only advance the potential terrorist's cause.