§ 13. Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of state for National Heritage what representations he has received regarding the signposting of tourism sights.
§ Mr. SproatI have received numerous representations detailing wide-ranging concerns about regulations restricting the use of tourism signposts. I am discussing these complex issues with ministerial colleagues.
§ Mr. RoweI am delighted to learn that my hon. Friend is engaging in such discussions. Is he aware that there is considerable disquiet about who chooses the tourist sights to be signposted and considerable dissatisfaction about the fact that some sights do not appear to be allowed to advertise their existence? Will he also bear in mind that, in my part of Kent, people could not see a tourism signpost if they tried, because of the bollards on the M20?
§ Mr. SproatMy hon. Friend has raised an extremely important matter. The problems of securing proper 568 signposting for tourist attractions have been with us for a very long time. As I have said, I am now engaged in discussions with the Department of Transport. which is responsible for such matters in Whitehall, but I must point out that county councils can be extremely difficult in this regard. If my hon. Friend cannot see too many tourist-attraction signs in Kent, perhaps he should have a word with his county council as well. He may wish to discuss the matter with me, however: I should like to obtain as much evidence as possible, to sort out this important matter once and for all.