Minister: Film stars 'scared'

Cruise: Said to be filming in New Zealand

UK film minister Kim Howells has accused Hollywood leading men like Tom Cruise of lacking the "balls" to fly because of terrorism fears.

Dr Howells, known for his outspoken views, told the Financial Times that "tough-guy heroes of the screen" were "too frightened" to take a flight to Europe.

"Swashbuckling heroes like Tom Cruise" were more frightened about terrorism than "grannies from New York", he said.

Cruise was due to attend the Cannes film festival, but was reported to have pulled out because he was filming in New Zealand.

Dr Howells caused controversy in 2002 when he described modern art as "cold, mechanical, conceptual bullshit".

Howells is the minister for tourism, film and broadcasting

He told the Financial Times that the UK's tourism industry was suffering from the absence of American visitors.

"These people portray themselves as great action heroes and although we know they use stunt men all the time," he said.

"One would assume they would have the balls to do a simple thing like... fly to Europe and set an example for the rest of the nation."

He said he hoped more stars followed the example of one Hollywood tough guy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was in Cannes promoting his third Terminator film.

Tom Cruise's partner Penelope Cruz was the centre of attention at Cannes when her new film, Fanfan la Tulipe, opened the festival on 14 May.

Tourism tour

But Cruise is thought to be filming 1870s action movie The Last Samurai in New Zealand and was not on the red carpet with her.

Dr Howells began a six-day US tour on Tuesday to try to persuade Americans to go to the UK on holiday.

US visitor numbers were down 14% on 2001 and 9% on 2002 during the first three months of this year, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said.

Dr Howells said: "I hope I can help convince North Americans that we should be top of their list when shopping for a European holiday this summer."