§ 15. Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is the latest estimate of the number of tourists visiting Britain.
§ Mr. KeyIn the first 10 months of 1992, there were an estimated 15.4 million visits to the United Kingdom by overseas residents—8 per cent. more than in the equivalent period of 1991.
§ Mr. MarshallDoes my hon. Friend agree that those are encouraging figures and that they have probably been accelerated by currency movements since 16 September? Does he also agree that if we are to attract more tourists to London, it is essential that we improve public transport within London, especially the Northern line?
§ Mr. KeyMy hon. Friend is right. Some 70 per cent. of all tourists coming to this country start their visits in London and then move outwards. Transport is one of the items discussed by the Cabinet committee on London, a member of which is my hon. Friend the Minister for Transport in London, who, I am delighted to say, is in the House today.