HC Deb 27 July 1998 vol 317 cc56-7W
13. Mrs. Mahon

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Department for Education and Employment about his proposed tourism strategy. [50779]

Mr. Tom Clarke

My Department hosted a conference on the New Deal with the Department for Education and Employment in November of last year. A breakfast meeting was held with representatives of the tourism industry at No. 11 Downing street only last week involving both Departments. Those present heard of the excellent achievements of the tourism industry in the intervening period in implementing the New Deal and aspirations of the future.

25. Mr. Hanson

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what account his Department's tourism strategy takes of sustainable development issues. [50793]

Mr. Tom Clarke

The Government are committed to enabling tourism growth which is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable and our tourism strategy will reflect that commitment. We have recently undertaken a nationwide consultation exercise on sustainable tourism. The responses to the consultation are currently being analysed and will feed into the development of the tourism strategy which we shall publish later this year.

27. Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the promotion of tourism in England. [50795]

Mr. Tom Clarke

My right hon. Friend and I have been working very closely, for some months now, with members of the Tourism Forum and its Working Groups on the development of a new tourism strategy. The strategy, which will be published later this year, will set out our plans for promoting tourism development which is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable.