§ Mr. Hoosonasked the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his reply of 15 June 1982 to the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnor, Official Report, c. 229, whether he has secured progress in making monuments in his care more attractive to visitors.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsLast autumn I commissioned a consultant, John Brown Tourism Marketing and Development Services, to carry out a study of the presentation and promotion of the ancient monuments in my care with a view to making them more attractive to visitors. I recently received the consultant's report. It is detailed and wide ranging; stimulating and constructive. It recommends a completely new approach to the presentation of monuments in Wales and makes over 100 detailed recommendations intended to make the monuments more enjoyable, more enlightening and more profitable, without detracting from their historic and cultural value. It points the way to the long term future of ancient monuments in Wales.
Certain of the detailed recommendations can and will be implemented without delay. I accept in principle the new approach which the report suggests. My Department is considering ways of implementing this approach. It could involve a variety of arrangements bringing in local authorities, other public bodies, as well as private organisations and individuals. In Wales the ancient monuments can be a real asset to tourism. It is vital to ensure that this asset is used to the best advantage.
Copies of the report are being placed in the Library.