HC Deb 22 June 1978 vol 952 cc302-3W
Mr. Wrigglesworth

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what progress has been made with the pilot scheme for developing tourism in the North Pennines from Teesside to the South Tyne Valley which he announced in May 1978.

Mr. Meacher

Extensive local consultation within the region, and with the local authorities and Government agencies concerned, has been carried out by a working group established for the purpose. The group has prepared an integrated package of proposals for the development of both serviced and self-catering facilities in the area, together with a residential activity centre and various other tourist attractions. These proposals have been devised to provide for beneficial tourism development while avoiding harm to the environment, especially in sensitive areas of great natural beauty or ecological or archaeological significance.

The scheme as a whole has been considered by the English Tourist Board which has recommended it to me; and I have just written to the Board's chairman, Sir Mark Henig, approving the proposals in principle. Two crucial elements in the scheme, as it is implemented, will be its overall balance, for example, between accommodation and other types of project, and between private and public sector investment. On the basis that two-thirds of the total investment is forthcoming from non-Government sources, the other third, totalling approximately £1 million will be provided by Government through the funds made available to the English Tourist Board over the next three to four years.

My approval in principle is therefore subject to my satisfaction, as the work proceeds, that these objectives are still being fulfilled; accordingly I have asked the chairman to arrange for me to receive progress reports at regular intervals. Planning permission for the various projects will be required as necessary in the normal way.

I am pleased to acknowledge the very great help and co-operation in preparing these proposals which has been provided by the tourist boards, the local authorities, other Government agencies and local people. It is now up to all concerned to turn the scheme into reality. I am sure that the results will be equally beneficial to those who thereby obtain income or jobs, to the local economy generally, and to the tourists who will be encouraged to visit an outstandingly attractive part of Britain.