HC Deb 21 July 1987 vol 120 c200
9. Mr. Kirkhope

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his latest estimate of the number of tourist visits made to the United Kingdom in 1986.

Mr. Lee

There were 13.8 million visits to the United Kingdom by overseas residents in 1986.

Mr. Kirkhope

I welcome that reply by my hon. Friend. What further measures is he considering to encourage an increase in the number of tourists to industrial areas and cities in the north of England, especially Leeds?

Mr. Lee

The British Tourist Authority is working extremely hard abroad and the regional tourist boards are working very hard in the United Kingdom. I also pay tribute to what the Leeds city council is now trying to do in the area of tourism, and I draw to the attention of the House and my hon. Friend the new playhouse at Quarry Hill, the conference and exhibition centre close to the Dragonara hotel and the construction of the tropical house and butterfly house at Canal gardens at Roundhay park, among others.