§ 14. Sir David KnoxTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to promote tourism in the midlands.
§ Mr. SproatGovernment support for tourism is channelled through the British Tourist Authority and the English tourist board. Through the English tourist board, support is also made available to the 11 regional boards, including the Heart of England and East Midlands tourist boards.
§ Sir David KnoxDoes my hon. Friend agree that it is important that overseas tourists should not confine their visits to London and that they should also visit the midlands? Does he further agree that attractions such as Alton Towers and the fine scenery around it in my constituency compare with anything in London?
§ Mr. SproatYes, I happily agree with my hon. Friend about the importance of Alton Towers, which has the highest number of visitors of any tourist attraction in the country. I also agree about the importance of getting tourists out of London.
My hon. Friend will be comforted a little to know that spending on promotion in the west midlands has been some £400,000 in recent years and exactly the same amount has been spent in the east midlands, contributing about 240,000 jobs in the surrounding areas. I agree strongly with what he says.