§ 14. Mr. HainTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on the Government's policies on tourism. [28771]
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe Government's work programme set out in "Tourism—Competing with the Best" fully recognises the importance of the industry as a creator of wealth and employment. My Department continues to work in partnership with the industry to improve our competitiveness in the world market. We have made significant progress on measures to help improve quality and value for money in the accommodation sector, and we are developing an agenda for action on the industry's use of its human resources.
§ 24. Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what recent representations she has received regarding deregulation of the tourism industry; and if she will make a statement. [28783]
§ Mrs. BottomleyLast week, I took part in the Government's deregulation seminar for the tourism and hospitality industry. We will respond to the concerns raised about burdensome regulations. Much has already been achieved in the Government's drive towards deregulation, but we will continue to work towards removing unnecessary obstacles to the growth of this £35 billion industry.