§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment his Department has made of the effect of local government reorganisation on the English regional tourist board structure.
§ Mr. SproatEach of the regional tourist boards—RTBs —is an independent organisation, and their boundaries will not be directly affected by the outcome of the local government review. Local authorities have always been active supporters of the work of the RTBs, and I am sure the RTBs will be keen to co-operate with any new authorities which emerge from the review.
§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what are the objectives of the Government's tourism policy.
§ Mr. SproatThe objectives of the Government's tourism policy are, as set out in my Department's annual report, to create the conditions which will encourage inward and domestic tourism so that the industry can make its full contribution to the economy and increase opportunities for access to our culture and heritage.
In pursuit of this overall aim my Department seeks to:
—facilitate the work of the British Tourist Authority and the English Tourist Board in developing the tourism product to its full potential and in marketing it to the consumer both overseas and at home; and—ensure that all parts of Government take full account of the implications of their policies for the tourism industry and that unnecessary barriers to its development are removed.
§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when he expects the review of the crown classification system in respect of tourism in England to be completed.
§ Mr. SproatThe consultants commissioned by the English tourist board to review the crown classification scheme are due to report to the board at the end of May. My Department will then discuss with the English tourist board its proposals for taking forward the recommendations of the report.
§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make a statement on the future of the United Kingdom tourism survey.
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment he has made of the impact on non-EC tourist traffic and expenditure in the United Kingdom as a result of implementing EC Commission proposal Com (94) 58 to amend directive 77/388/EEC.
§ Mr. SproatThe proposed amendment to directive 77/388/EEC imposes a minimum threshold of 175 ecus 13W before non-EU visitors can claim a VAT refund. There is some concern within the retail sector that this would have an adverse effect on tourist expenditure. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is well aware of these concerns and the Government have made clear their objections to this proposal.
§ Mr. SproatI have asked the English tourist board to review its research activities, including the United Kingdom tourism survey. The aim of this review is to assess whether information is being provided for the industry and for Government in a form that meets their needs. This review is due to be completed in the near future.