§ 23. Mr. GregoryTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the numbers employed in tourism in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Allan StewartThe Department of Employment estimated that in 1989 there were 154,000 employees in tourism and leisure-related industries in Scotland. This represents about 8 per cent. of Scottish employment.
§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what information he has regarding the operation of a tourist tax in any other EC country, Japan or the United States of America;
(2) whether he has any plans to introduce a tourist tax in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe consultation paper on the new council tax mentions a tourist tax only in the context of discussing possible sources of local finance which might be used to supplement council tax revenue in particular circumstances. The Government have no specific proposals in this area and no detailed research has been done. The Government will, however, be happy to consider suggestions which may emerge from the consultation exercise.