HC Deb 22 July 1968 vol 769 cc19-20
23. Mr. Arnold Shaw

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what is the machinery for liaison with the Board of Trade in publicity for ancient monuments for the furtherance of tourism in Great Britain.

Mr. Mellish

There is normal interdepartmental liaison on matters relating to tourism and the presentation of ancient monuments. In addition, we work closely with the British Travel Association, which is responsible for general tourist advertising overseas.

Mr. Shaw

In view of the wealth of ancient monuments within the purview of his Ministry and their potential for tourism, is my right hon. Friend satisfied that everything is being done in the matter of consultation?

Mr. Mellish

If I thought that there were weaknesses, I should set about making improvements, but I am advised that my commercial manager, who is on the British Travel Association committee, liaises with the British Travel Association all the time, and there has been no complaint on that score. Last year there was an all-time record number of visitors to ancient monuments—over 10 million in all—and our income was nearly £750,000. It was an all-time record.