§ 18. Mr. NichollsTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will assess for the most recent year available the contribution made to the United Kingdom economy by the tourism industry.
§ Mr. KeyTourism is an important contributor to the United Kingdom economy, and it is estimated that domestic and overseas tourists together spent £25 billion in 1991, equivalent to 4 per cent. of the gross domestic product. There were also about 1.5 million employees in employment in tourism-related industries in June 1991 and 183,000 self-employed in these industries in spring 1991.
§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will set out his policies on tourism.
§ Mr. KeyTourism is a successful industry whose enterprise creates wealth and jobs throughout the United Kingdom. It is our heritage, sport and culture which help to make this country so attractive to visitors, and we intend to make the most of the links between the different responsibilities of the Department to ensure that the industry continues to prosper. In common with our other responsibilities, policies on tourism will he reviewed to ensure that taxpayers money is being spent in the most appropriate arid cost-effective way.