HC Deb 19 May 1997 vol 294 c19W
13. Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what meetings he has had with representatives of the tourism industry about the social chapter and the minimum wage. [373]

Mr. Tom Clarke

Tourism, with its potential to generate employment, is one of the priorities we have set for the Department. We shall of course be taking every opportunity to meet representatives of the tourism industry to discuss a range of issues which affect it. The evidence is that most employers and employees in the tourism industry support a minimum wage. Minimum wages and basic standards of employment, by creating a better rewarded and motivated work force, can help to improve business of performance.

17. Mr. Yeo

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment he has made of the impact on the tourism industry of a national minimum wage. [377]

Mr. Clarke

Tourism, with its potential to generate employment, is one of the priorities we have set for the Department. The UK tourism industry must compete on the quality of its product and service. The introduction of a national minimum wage, by helping to create a better rewarded and better motivated work force, will drive up standards and increase business.

26. Mr. David Atkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proposals he has to promote the British tourism industry. [389]

Mr. Clarke

Because we fully recognise the importance of tourism to the economy of this country and its potential for employment generation, we shall be acting with the industry, the tourist boards, local authorities and others to achieve our policy aims. These include: a positive approach from Government for the industry; effective marketing of Britain overseas; reinvigorating domestic tourism; improving the quality of the product; jobs, training and investment in people; and sustainable development.